Maximizing Your Participation at a Career Fair

Career Fairs are great places to get your foot in the door. These events provide job seekers with important face time with dozens of companies that are actively looking for candidates, and do so all in one place. Making your mark at a career fair doesn’t happen just by showing up. A successful career fair experience takes planning, preparation and the confidence to sell yourself. If you want to use this resource to help jumpstart your search, follow these tips before, during and after the fair.

Before the Fair - It All Comes Down to Homework

Get an exhibitor list:
Your first step is to find out which companies will be participating. You can do this by contacting the career fair organizers or by doing your own research. Many career fairs have web sites that list participating companies or list the companies on brochures and other advertising materials. Once you have the list, highlight several companies that are of interest to you.

Do your research:
Research the companies that will be attending the fair. Look at their web sites, read their press releases, and search your local newspaper for stories. Look for recent acquisitions that indicate that the company is growing, new products that have been introduced, or any other business news that gives you an idea of where the company is headed and how you can play a role.

Put your tools together:
Once again, it’s time to dust off your resume and make sure it is in tip top condition. Make sure it is current and that it sends a clear, concise picture of who you are and what you have to offer. Double check for spelling and grammatical errors and make sure your contact information is correct.

Practice, practice, practice:
Get together with a friend or family member and practice answering typical interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” or “What kind of position are you looking for?” Additionally, develop a list of questions you want to ask each company. One of the best ways to look prepared and professional is showing up with thoughtful, intelligent questions.

During the Fair - Put On Your Best Show

Dress the part:
When you go to the career fair, you will undoubtedly see people walking around in jeans and t-shirts. Don’t be one of those people. A career fair is your chance to make a good first impression with a potential new employer. Wear a conservative business suit, make sure you look well groomed, and carry your materials in a professional folder or portfolio.

Don’t forget your full package:
You spent all that time making sure your resume was ready to go, so don’t blow your chances by forgetting to bring it. Bring many copies printed out on professional resume paper, as well as a few copies of your references list. Be prepared to hand these out many times throughout the day.

Be confident and proactive:
A career fair is no place to be shy and demure. The best way to make a lasting impression is by being self assured. Approach the companies that interest you, make eye contact (if you can) and introduce yourself with a firm handshake (if you can). Take the initiative and tell them about yourself and why you are interested in their company. Answer questions succinctly, with solid examples of your strengths and qualifications. Ask your prepared questions and listen intently to the answers. Tie in what you know about their company from your research to the type of job you are seeking.

Bear in mind reasonable accommodation:
Prepare for any situation that may come up and be proactive in preparing for accommodation requirements to help the potential employer have full access to you.

Ask for information:
Whatever you do, don’t leave a company booth without getting a business card and company brochure. This might be the only opportunity you have to meet with the hiring manager face to face and you will want his or her contact information later.

After the Fair - Close the Deal

Follow up:
Just like a job interview, it is important to follow up after a career fair. Using the business cards you collected, write letters to key company representatives. Thank them for taking the time to speak with you, reiterate your strengths, and let them know that you will call them to follow up in a couple of days. Then, be true to your word and call. Just make sure you don’t waste the opportunity you had at the career fair. Your due diligence afterwards can be as important as your preparation.