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How to Prepare for a Career Fair

• Prepare a resume – a “self promotional” document that demonstrates to a potential employer your experience and what you have accomplished. (Refer to “Resume Writing Tips” and “Sample Resume”.) Your strategy should be to emphasize the experience and skills that a particular employer is looking for. Your resume is also an example of your communication and organizational skills.


• Dress professionally.
• Get a list of registered companies/agencies scheduled to attend from SpartanLink.
• Determine organizations you are interested in obtaining information about or possible employment and visit their booths first.
• Prepare and practice a monologue (refer to Job Fair Tips and Icebreakers”) until you are comfortable and it sounds conversational and unrehearsed.
• Practice your best handshake, smile and eye contact.
  

Job Fair Tips and Icebreakers

Career/job fairs are an excellent opportunity to meet several potential employers that may help determine your career path. It is an opportunity to get information about opportunities within your majors and identify whether a company offers internship and cooperative education experiences. Below are some tips that will make the experience a pleasant one and tip the odds in your favor!

1. Dress conservatively LADIES: Suit, skirt and blouse or dress, dress shoes, no sandals. MEN: Suit, slacks and jacket and nice shirt, no sneakers.
2. Approach employer stations and introduce yourself.
3. Utilize open-ended questions (see ice breakers below).
4. Have sufficient copies of your resume to distribute.
5. Relax, have a good time. While serious, this is one of the less formal environments where you can interact one-on-one with recruiters. Recruiters realize you are nervous and make allowances.

Sample "Ice Breaking" Questions to Ask

• Hello, my name is __________. I am a _________major. What internship, coop or career opportunities exist with your agency/corporation?
• I am (state your class, majoring in) researching career options. What opportunities within your organization exist for someone in my major?

Or

"Thank you for your time Mr./Ms._____, May I leave my resume with you and accept one of your business cards to follow up in the future?"

Remember, Just follow the above guidelines and MAKE IT HAPPEN!