How to Prepare for On Campus Career Fairs

At most institutions, on-campus career fairs are held at least once a year.  Many students use these occasions to land an internship or entry-level job.  Here’s how to make the most of this important event.

Career Fairs Serve a Couple of Purposes

Employers attend them because it gives them an easy way to screen many job applicants at one time. Recruiters can usually tell if a second, more detailed interview is warranted after a few minutes of talking to an applicant.

Attendees get the chance to talk one-on-one with recruiters from a number of companies. This lets you, the potential employee, have a chance to see what companies you’d like to pursue further.

Expect This

From my experience, there are usually 50-100 companies at on-campus engineering career fairs. Companies will range from the large, everyone’s heard of them companies, to small, local companies that you never knew existed.

It’s a great idea to talk to recruiters from companies of all sizes. Don’t just get focused on staying with the well-known places – they may not be the best fit for you.

Companies at these career fairs know the attendees will be students so they’ll be looking to hire for internships/co-ops, part-time jobs or full-time entry level jobs.

Be ready to do short, on-the-spot interviews. These quick Q & A sessions are what will decide if you get to move to the next step in the process.

How to Prepare

Find out which companies will be at the fair and then research them. Use sites like www.GlassDoor.com, www.Vault.com, and the company’s website to learn more about what they specialize in and what positions they may offer. Narrow down the list to 7-10 employers you’d like to meet with.

When doing your research, come up with a few questions to ask each of the recruiters. Tailor the questions to each different company. Don’t just ask generic questions – it’ll show that you probably aren’t all that interested. Company-specific questions show that you spent the time to do research and that you’d like to learn more.

Create an amazing résumé like we discussed here. Tailor your résumé for the different companies you’ll be talking to. Print out several copies (at least 1 for each employer) on quality résumé paper and then put them in a portfolio or binder so they don’t get wrinkled or dirty.

Along with the résumés, you should also bring paper and a pen. This way you’ll be ready if you want to take any notes or write contact info.

Make sure you have a business professional outfit ready to go. Try on your outfit before the day of the career fair. You don’t want any surprises like stains, broken zippers, etc. on the fair day! Polish your shoes too!

Speech to Sell Yourself

This is called an elevator speech. It’s called that because you have about the time of an elevator ride to distinguish yourself from others. What to mention:

• Name & degree
• What you want to do for a career
• Why you’ve chosen that industry
• Experience you have that applies to the position being offered – use school projects if needed
• Finish up by stating what kind of position you’re looking for

Put together this short speech and make sure everything flows. Then PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE saying it! It should come out naturally and not seem forced or memorized.

At the Career Fair

Get there early! Lines may be long later on and will cut into your time.

If available, create a name tag with your name and major. Also pick up a map of the fair and find out where your preferred employers are located – that’s where you’ll head first.

Confidence is key! Speak confidently when giving your elevator speech, make eye contact and give a firm handshake.

Ask your prepared questions, let them know you’re interested in a second interview, and then follow up by asking for a business card.

Make notes after the conversation to help remember all the details.

After the Career Fair

Send a thank you note via email or regular snail mail if you have the address. Make sure to reiterate your skills, qualifications and interest.

Follow up a week later if you haven’t heard anything back.

Get that Job

Recruiters can tell who is organized, prepared, and interested in a short period of time.  With some prep time and confidence, you’ll be successful in getting the job you want.

Good luck at your next career fair!