A. Before the Fair
1. Clarify your goals for the job fair. Expect to initiate contact with recruiters
to learn more about jobs and companies that interest you. Don't expect them to seek you
out, and don't expect any job offers to be made to you at the job fair. Companies that are
interested in you will contact you for later on-site interviews.
2. Review a list of companies that will be attending:
a. Identify those you plan to talk with and read their literature and any other
information you can find. Don't rule out a company just because you haven't heard of them;
at the moment, smaller companies are often more likely to hire than the Fortune 500's.
b. Prepare a list of at least four questions for each organization based on your
research. Appropriate questions reveal both information about you and demonstrate your
knowledge of the company. For example, "I have read about your new drive toward sales
at every level and believe my summer experience in cold calling will help me to be
effective with you organization. What have the practical difficulties of implementing this
initiative been?"
c. Avoid questions about salary and benefits at initial interviews.
3. Prepare a one minute commercial about yourself to introduce yourself to all
companies you plan to contact:
a. Give your name, school, and major
b. Clearly state your career goals
c. List ten tasks the job requires on the left side of a sheet of paper; list the ways
you have done similar tasks on the right side; then explain the similarities
d. Demonstrate your knowledge of and interest in the organization
e. Be open, honest, enthusiastic, and concise
f. Practice, practice, practice
4. Prepare a one page resume without a career objective. The second page of a two-page
resume is often torn off and thrown away by job fair coordinators.
B. At the Fair
1. Greet employers with a firm handshake and make eye contact. Avoid distracting
mannerisms or gestures.
2. Given them a copy of you resume.
3. Give your one minute commercial.
4. Make it clear why they would benefit from hiring you (i.e., connect your background
to their needs); then state your interest in them
5. Be prepared to discuss anything mentioned on your resume, answering all questions
concisely.
6. Ask them your prepared questions, but allow them to direct the flow of the
conversation.
7. Request a business card of each employer with whom you speak.
8. Ask for a contact name (with proper spelling and job title) and phone number.
C. After the Fair
1. Write prompt follow-up letters to employers you are interested in pursuing.
2. Thank them, reaffirm your interest, remind them of your strengths, and clarify any
points you feel you mishandled or left incomplete.