It’s that time of year again – the leaves are starting to turn colors, you’re getting back into the swing of things at school and you have to start deciding what you’re going to do for the rest of your life…that’s right, it’s Career Fair season! Feeling the pressure? Don’t worry. Her Campus (with a little help from our favorite salesman, Dwight Schrute) has got you covered with seven suggestions for success at Career Fair.
First Things First: Dress the PartWe know, we know; it’s not like Career Fair is the first day of an internship or job, but nobody wants to hire the girl who looks like she just rolled out of bed for an 8 a.m. class. Don’t be afraid to get fancy! As the saying goes, “Dress for the job you want, not for the one you have.” You’re not going to be working at Armstrong forever, so go ahead and grab those adorable impulse-buy flats and top them with formal business attire and voila! You are now a career-minded, determined woman ready for the real world.
PS. No money for professional attire? That’s okay! You can still look good on a small budget. There are plenty of thrift stores with affordable and gently worn professional pieces.
Make A Good ImpressionFirst (and last) impressions are crazy important. When you introduce yourself to a potential employer, smile, say your first AND last name, shake their hand (please make it a firm handshake, ladies) and make genuine eye contact. Confidence is key! Example: “Hello, my name is Jane Smith, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m very interested in your open positions…” (Be specific and to the point).
Also, don’t leave without saying goodbye! Remembering your recruiter’s name matters too. Shake their hand, thank them for their time (using their name!) and get their business card to follow up.
Prepare BeforehandDo your research. Know which companies are attending and pick out the ones that you want to approach. Not only knowing who is there, but learning a little bit about their history will be beneficial. You’ll be able to impress the recruiter with what you know. This will also help you stay focused on open jobs and your potential fit within the company.
Ask and Answer QuestionsThe recruiters are here to find YOU. They want to find potential employees and are happy to answer your questions. Prepare a few that you want to ask, preferably ones that will make them think, as well as a few answers to possible questions that the recruiters will ask you. They will most likely ask you, “Why do you want to work here?” or “What kind of experience do you have in our field?”
You Rock! Now Prove ItPrepare a little 30 second spiel and market yourself. Have an updated resume to present to them while you do so and let them know why and how you are qualified for their open positions. Let the recruiter know that you want the job. They are going to see hundreds of similar ready-to-please faces with jacked-up resumes, so make yourself stand out. Maybe mention the time you studied abroad or your incredibly fulfilling internship or what inspires you about their company–everything you say in the short time you are meeting with them matters.
Follow up!Genuinely interested in one of the companies? Send a follow-up email saying how much you enjoyed your meeting and learning about the company, and how you would like to have the opportunity to keep moving forward with them.
Know That It All Counts For SomethingEven if a recruiter you spoke with doesn’t have any open positions in your field, know that everything you do and all of your interactions are a part of the networking experience. You’ve already put yourself out there and that’s the first step in finding a legitimate career. You’re qualified, enthusiastic, determined and ready to take on the world. Let companies see that and you will be rewarded.