Our Spring Career Fair is coming up soon on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 8:30 - 1:00 in the Fitness Center. We want our students to be prepared and land that job you’ve been dreaming of! Keep reading to learn some useful tips to utilize before, during, and after the Career Fair.
Before the Career Fair, there are a few steps you are going to want to take to prepare yourself.
First, be sure to check out our list of Employers on Charger Path under Events, and then General Career Fair. Take note of employers that interest you and that are relevant to your field. Researching the company beforehand is a great tip because it shows the employer you have a genuine interest in them when you have knowledge about the company and open positions that they may have.
You will also want to ensure you have a professional outfit ready to go. Make sure it is ironed and appropriate. Remember, you will not be granted entry into the Career Fair if you are not wearing professional attire!
Lastly, before the Career Fair, make sure your resume is ready. You can attend one of our many workshops (under the Events tab in Charger Path) to help prepare. Print out your resume and cover letter (if applicable), and make sure you have enough copies for every employer you plan on talking to. It is useful to carry your resumes in a padfolio or folder to ensure they do not bend or tear. This will also give you a place to save business cards and other information you gather at the Career Fair.
During the Career Fair, you will want to maintain a professional manner at all times. Be sure to greet every employer you speak to with enthusiasm and a firm handshake. Answer any questions an employer asks you with a sufficient answer, try to avoid “yes” or “no” answers if possible and elaborate when relevant. Maintain eye contact when speaking to an employer, deliver an elevator pitch, show confidence, and be sure to smile when speaking! Always thank the employer for their time, and ask for a business card. Pro tip: business cards can be great for taking notes about an employer when you finish speaking with them!
After the Career Fair, be sure to apply for any jobs that interested you within two weeks at the maximum. Applying as soon as possible, and even before the Career Fair, is preferable because it shows your interest in the company. Connect with the representatives that you met with on LinkedIn and thank them for their time speaking with you. Follow up with employers and be sure to put the effort forth to obtaining a job after the Career Fair. Just because the Career Fair is over does not mean you should stop putting the work in for getting that job!
