It is peak recruiting season for all types of professional opportunities. Whether you’re a freshman looking for just the slightest bit of experience to boast on your resume to a senior looking for full time jobs, this time of year is nothing short of nerve-wracking. As an accounting major who recently landed a full-time opportunity from her internship this summer, I know a thing or two about the career fair, where to start and how to end it with a positive result.
- Prepare, prepare and prepare some more
-
Before you go to the career fair, it’s important to know who exactly is going to be there. Do your research beforehand and make a list in your notes app or notebook on who you want to talk to and what roles you want to talk to them about. After, polish up your resume, whether it be adding some recent experiences or simply brushing up some of the language. While you’re at the fair, make sure you have several hard copies of your triple-checked resume to give to potential employers. While it may feel pointless since there are so many people also handing their resumes out, it is absolutely worth it. Not only are you giving employers something to remember you, you are showing your best interest in a company by sharing it with them. Alongside this, make sure you are presenting yourself in the best way possible. Make sure you dress appropriately for the career fair and practice your initial elevator pitch you are giving to these employers.
- Take notes
-
The people you are mostly talking to are employees of the company who may or may not have been in your shoes just a few years ago. Think about it: if you work at one of the companies you are talking to at the fair, you may just work alongside one of the individuals you talked to. Take note of who you talk to, what they do and anything else that made them stand out to you.
- Follow up
-
It’s always important to take notes so that you can follow up after and demonstrate additional interest in the company. Yes, these companies come here because they want students like you, but they aren’t going to chase after you. Personally, I would have never gotten my internship if I had not reached out to my company’s recruiter on LinkedIn after the career fair and expressed my interest. Whether it be the company recruiter or a fresh alum from your college who also works at the company, it’s always important to build your professional network. Now, it’s easier than ever with platforms like LinkedIn, so take advantage of it!
- No matter what, just apply
-
It’s very rare, almost impossible, actually, to get a job or internship without initially applying for it. Even people I know who have relied on their network to get job placements have gone through the application and interview process. Even if you think you aren’t the ideal candidate, you never know if you don’t put yourself out there. I never thought I would get the opportunities I’ve gotten from simply putting myself out there, regardless of them being professional or not.
- Prepare to interview
-
You’d be surprised how many companies interview in the days after the career fairs end. This is because a lot of companies don’t want to travel back and forth from their offices and college towns they are recruiting in. If you end up in a spot where you are quickly interviewing after meeting your company, do your research on said company, freshen up on your resume and go in with a positive attitude, ready to hype you up for the amazing student you are!