A Dozen Tips For When You Hit The Career Fair
Do Your Homework
Most career fairs, Tech’s included, publish a list of companies attending the fair beforehand. Take a look at this and do some background research into the companies and job opportunities with them. Asking representatives specific questions focused on the company you’re considering shows a genuine interest in the company.
Dress (And Look) Right
The age old saying that the first impression is the best impression still holds true. Though only business casual dress is required at most career fairs, business professional has more often than not become the norm. Also, watch out for dirty shoes, undone buttons, and stains. For guys, shaving is advised but well-kept facial hair is acceptable.
Resumés, Resumés And More Resumés
Bring enough resumés to last through two career fairs. Nothing is more disappointing than not being able to give a potential employer your resumé because you are saving your last one for the company you really want a job with. Another good idea is to print your resumé on resumé paper—higher quality paper normally that is normally made from cotton and available at most office supply stores. Remember that the goal here is to stand out from the crowd, and every little bit helps.
Time, Time, and More Time
Arrive early! Career fairs are usually least crowded at the beginning of the day, and, aside from avoiding the crowds, the longer you are there, the more time you have to talk to people. Also, keep in mind that you don’t waste time waiting in a line if you are the first person in it. Also, note that the most crowded times are those when everyone is free, such as lunch hours, closing time, and 11 am to noon on a Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Get You Bearings
Once you arrive at the fair, take some time to familiarize yourself with the place. Take a look at the map and walk around the room a few times. This will allow you to double-check representatives’ locations as well as give you a heads up as to where the lines and crowds will be.
Prioritize
Make a list of companies you want to talk to and prioritize them. Try to start with someone low on your list (or even one not on it); the practice will be much more useful when you reach the companies you’re more interested in. Be sure to balance this with the fact that there will be a lot of wait time, and that you will most probably not have enough time to talk to everyone on your list (especially if it is a long one).
A Firm Handshake
Nothing beats a firm handshake, a smile, and a quick, “Hello”. Handing the representative your resumé after this is ideal.
Be Flexible
You never know what can happen. The specific job you were gunning for might have already been filled, or, on the other hand, new positions might have opened up. Be flexible and hope for the best. Another time where flexibility is key is when you have to make the choice between waiting in a long line for the golden job or using that time to talk to five other potential employers for silver jobs. Note that wait times for most big names can be anywhere from half an hour to an hour long.
Take Notes
With the number of companies you will be talking to, there is no way you are going to remember all the information that will be coming your way. In particular, write down dates and time for application deadlines and information sessions, as these tidbits of knowledge have a habit of dissolving quickly. Sometimes, the representative you speak with might not have the answer to one of your questions, and in such a case, request and note down the name and contact information of someone who might.
Exchange Cards
If you have business cards, offer one to the representative. This is an indirect way of asking for theirs. If you don’t have business cards, then simply asking the representative for theirs is perfectly acceptable. There are many advantages to having a potential employers business card. Firstly, you now have a direct contact with the company, with the proper spelling of their name, direct phone number, etc. Secondly, you now have the chance to send the representative a brief thank you note acknowledging their help (and once again, making you stand out from the crowd).
Lay Off The Swag
Yes, career fair freebies are awesome, but try to maintain a bit of professionalism when you see them. Good practice is to not take anything until the employer offers it to you. If they don’t, then at least make sure you ask before you snatch something from their table. Never grab an obscene quantity of free stuff and never pick anything out of boxes. Remember, you came here for a job, not free stuff.
Be Courteous
Smile. Also be polite and courteous to everyone present. You are not just representing yourself but Tech as well. Everyone present has an interest in the Institute and many are probably alumni.
