Today’s job or internship seekers often find themselves competing in a sea of paper and electronic job postings. While a well-organized cover letter, resume and portfolio serve as essential tools in your job search toolbox, you might consider attending a career fair.
Career fairs range from local business-sponsored events to regional or career-track specific networking events. They occur in small towns and larger cities.
According to an article published January 17, 2012, by U.S. News & World Report, before you attend a career fair, you’ll want to think through your game plan, do your research, and understand how recruiters will evaluate you.
“Career fairs offer the job seeker a leg up in the competition pool because they provide face-to-face meetings with a potential employer,” said Director of Career Services Jennifer Spataro-Wilson. “While it gives recruiters an opportunity to put a face with a name, it provides you with an opportunity to make a good impression. It also may give you access to jobs you might not have considered otherwise.”
Get a Game Plan
Most companies provide information about their products and services online. Research their websites before you go. Make a list of your top companies. Learn about their goals and leaders, then prepare for the basic questions they might ask you.
Do Your Homework
Look at your strengths. Find a way to frame your skills based on what you know about each company and its goals. Some may publish recruiter names online. If so, consider calling ahead of time to introduce yourself. Similarly, if you find an opportunity that you hadn’t previously considered, you can still discreetly check an organization’s website before you meet the recruiter.
Listen In
Listen to what other job seekers are saying. Maybe they didn’t do their homework, and you can avoid making a similar mistake. Also, they might ask great questions that you can borrow or refine.
Dress to Impress
Take the opportunity to buy your first suit or job-seeking wardrobe. Dress for the job you want. Get a haircut. Polish your shoes. Don’t wear an overwhelming amount of cologne or perfume.
Put on Your Game Face
The adage,”fake it until you make it” applies to in-person interviews at career fairs. Be authentic. Be confident. Be assertive yet polite. Remain positive and open. Most of all, be your best self.
Network In and Out of the Box
Job fairs open doors in other ways, too. The clearer you are about your objectives, the better. You may strike up a conversation that could lead a recruiter to recommend another colleague or friend with just the right opening for you and your talents.
Other opportunities for job and internship seekers:
Join a Professional Association
Most professional associations sponsor student associations, and these are great ways to learn about trends, pick up career tips and network with working professionals. For example, if you’re interested in marketing, join the American Marketing Association’s student organization. Often employers will post jobs and internships on association web sites.
Student memberships dues are less expensive, and it also shows a prospective employer that you are investing in your professional development.
Contact Your Alumni Association
Most colleges and universities support alumni associations that actively network alumni. Contact your alumni office. Sign up for the alumni e-newsletter and read your alumni magazine online. Identify successful graduates who are doing what you want to do and contact them. Often your alumni representative of Dean’s Office can connect you with a graduate who is working in your field or who knows someone else who can talk to you.
For more information about career fairs in your area, go to a professional association website, professional network, or local magazine or publication. Check out the Career Services Weekly e-newsletter, that is sent to the campus community every Friday during the semesters, for more information: https://www.su.edu/career-services-home/career-services-weekly/.
– by Cathy Loranger