Making the Most of a Job Fair

1
Making the Most of a Job Fair
2

• Here are some tips and strategies to best
  prepare for a job fair.

3
3 Phases of a Job Fair

• Before
• During
• After

4
Before the Job Fair

• Register
• Research
• Resume
• Elevator Speech

• Questions
• Job Fair Kit
• Attire
• Strategy

5
I. Registration

• Most job fairs require you to pre-register. This
  ensures that you will receive all materials
  related to the event.
• Registration can usually be done online.

6
II. Research Companies Positions

• Most events will post a list of participating
  employers on a webpage 2-3 weeks prior to the
  event.
• These lists are updated on a continuous basis, so
  be sure to check it often.

7
Why Research Employers?

• Employers expect applicants to know about their
  organization
• Knowing in-depth information about an
  organization shows interest and initiative

8
Why Research Employers? (Continued)

• Researching employers allows candidates to
• Identify and eliminate potential employers
• Help decide if a particular industry is a good
  fit
• Help create polished application documents (cover
  letter, resume, etc.)
• Prepare for an interview by allowing you to
  customize questions to ask an employer and to
  better prepare you to answer company-specific
  questions.

9
III. Resume

• The job fair acts as an initial, pre-screening
  interview. Therefore, you want to prepare a
  professional resume to make available to
  employers.
• A professional resume is needed even if you are
  applying for internships.

10
IV. Elevator Speech

• Remember, first impressions count.
• In preparation for the event, create a 60 second
  advertisement, that will be used to introduce
  yourself to potential employers.
• This advertisement should concisely state your
  name, major, school, skills, interests and
  strengths.

11
Example of an Elevator Speech

• Hello, my name is _______. I am currently a
  junior,
• majoring in Criminal Justice at Bowie State
• University. I like helping peoplecounseling,
• advising and mentoring. Ive been volunteering
  with
• the local Boys and Girls club and I think Id
  like to
• work with adjudicated teens, preferably girls. I
  read
• that your company has programs that help youth.
• Im interested in learning more.

12
V. Questions

• Remember, this is a job fair so your time with
  recruiters is short. Ask questions that will
  yield the most important information.

13
Sample Questions to Ask

• What qualities and characteristics are you
  looking for in an applicant?
• What are common career paths within your
  organization?
• What kind of projects are new employees typically
  involved with?
• Do you offer an internship program? If so, how
  do I find out more information?

14
VI. Job Fair Kit

• Before the job fair you will want to prepare your
  job fair kit.
• A job fair kit contains
• Multiple resumes printed on quality paper
• Paper on which to write notes (a portfolio of
  some type is suggested)
• A pen

15
VII. Strategy

• In order to make the best use of your time at a
  job fair, it is best to prepare a strategy.
• Your strategy should include
• Time of arrival. The earlier the better as some
  recruiters leave before the fair is over.
• The names of companies that you wish to talk to
  first.
• The names of companies that you will talk to
  provided you have enough time.

16
VIII. Attire

• Dress the same as you would for a job interview.
• Consider this a preliminary interview.
• You will only have a few minutes to make an
  impression as a job candidate. Thats why its
  always important to dress professionally for a
  job fair.
• Positive first impressions are critical!

17
Day of the Job Fair

• While you have multiple copies of your resume in
  hand, youve outlined your strategy, and youre
  dressed in a professional manner, there are still
  a few things to consider the day of the fair.

18
Day of the Job Fair

• Turn off all cellular devices and electronics.
• Identify the location of the recruiters you want
  to meet with first. Typically a floor plan or
  chart is provided to all attendees.

19
Presentation

• Approach employers with confidence.
• Make eye contact and shake hands.
• Present your resume.
• Recite your elevator speech.
• Ask your top four questions.
• Ask for company materials and business cards.
• Thank recruiters for their time.

20
After the Job Fair

• Send follow-up letters to organizations
  expressing your interest in the company and
  position.
• If necessary, include an updated resume.
• Thank you letters should be received by the
  employer within 2-5 days after the event.