Making the Most of a Job Fair

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Making the Most of a Job Fair

• Workshop

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• This workshop will provide you with tips and
  strategies to best prepare for a job fair.

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3 Phases of a Job Fair

• Before
• During
• After

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Before the Job Fair

• Register
• Research
• Resume
• Elevator Speech
• Questions
• Job Fair Kit
• Attire
• Strategy

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I. Registration

• Most job fairs require you to pre-register. This
  ensures that you will receive all materials
  related to the event.
• Registration can usually be done online.

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II. Research Companies Positions

• Most events will post a list of participating
  employers on a webpage 2-3 weeks prior to the
  event.
• These lists are updated on a continuous basis, so
  be sure to check it often.

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Why Research Employers?

• Employers expect applicants to know about their
  organization
• Knowing in-depth information about an
  organization shows interest and initiative

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Why Research Employers? (Continued)

• Furthermore, researching employers allows
  candidates to
• Identify and eliminate potential employers
• Help decide if a particular industry is a good
  fit
• Help create polished application documents (cover
  letter, resume, etc.)
• Prepare for an interview by allowing you to
  customize questions to ask an employer and to
  better prepare you to answer company-specific
  questions.

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Where to Go for Information

• The resources one can use to locate information
  about an organization are almost endless
• Applicants should be sure to refer to the
  following resources for information
• The organizations web page
• Trade magazines/journals
• Newspapers and articles
• Current employees
• Professional associations

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Must Know Information

• After having finished researching potential
  employers, interested applicants should be able
  to identify
• The types of positions hiring for
• Majors / minors they are seeking
• Additional requirements
• The organizations mission, vision and strategic
  plan
• The organizations history
• Company newsletters
• Main products/services

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Things to Consider

• After thoroughly researching an organization,
  evaluate the information you obtained to help you
  answer the following questions.
• Would I be happy/comfortable/satisfied working
  here?
• Can I see myself supporting the organizations
  mission/vision, etc.?
• Do I like the location? If necessary, am I
  willing to relocate?
• Is this organization financially sound enough for
  me?

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III. Resume

• The job fair acts as an initial, pre-screening
  interview. Therefore, you want to prepare a
  professional resume to make available to
  employers.
• A professional resume is needed even if you are
  applying for internships.

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IV. Elevator Speech

• Remember, first impressions count.
• In preparation for the event, create a 60 second
  advertisement, that will be used to introduce
  yourself to potential employers.
• This advertisement should concisely state your
  name, major, school, skills, interests and
  strengths.

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Example of an Elevator Speech

• Hello, my name is _______. I am currently a
  junior,
• majoring in Social Work with a minor in Criminal
• Justice at McDaniel College. I like helping
• peoplecounseling, advising and mentoring. Ive
  been
• volunteering with the local Boys and Girls club
  and I
• think Id like to work with adjudicated teens,
• preferably girls. I read that your company has
• programs that help youth. Im interested in
  learning
• more.

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V. Questions

• Remember, this is a job fair so your time with
  recruiters is short. Ask questions that will
  yield the most important information.

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Sample Questions to Ask

• What qualities and characteristics are you
  looking for in an applicant?
• What are common career paths within your
  organization?
• What kind of projects are new employees typically
  involved with?
• Do you offer an internship program? If so, how
  do I find out more information?

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VI. Job Fair Kit

• Before the job fair you will want to prepare your
  job fair kit.
• A job fair kit contains
• Multiple resumes printed on quality paper
• Paper on which to write notes (a portfolio of
  some type is suggested)
• A pen

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VII. Strategy

• In order to make the best use of your time at a
  job fair, it is best to prepare a strategy.
• Your strategy should include
• Time of arrival. The earlier the better as some
  recruiters leave before the fair is over.
• The names of companies that you wish to talk to
  first.
• The names of companies that you will talk to
  provided you have enough time.

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VIII. Attire

• Dress the same as you would for a job interview.
• Consider this a preliminary interview.
• You will only have a few minutes to make an
  impression as a job candidate. Thats why its
  always important to dress professionally for a
  job fair.
• Positive first impressions are critical!

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Attire

• Suit
• Blouse / Shirt
• Tie
• Shoes / Socks / Stockings
• Accessories
• Briefcase / Portfolio
• Grooming

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During the Job Fair

• While you have multiple copies of your resume in
  hand, youve outlined your strategy, and youre
  dressed in a professional manner, there are still
  a few things to consider the day of the fair.

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Day of the Job Fair

• Turn off all cellular devices and electronics.
• Identify the location of the recruiters you want
  to meet with first. Typically a floor plan or
  chart is provided to all attendees.

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Presentation

• Approach employers with confidence.
• Make eye contact and shake hands.
• Present your resume.
• Recite your elevator speech.
• Ask your top four questions.
• Ask for company materials and business cards.
• Thank recruiters for their time.

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After the Job Fair
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After the Job Fair

• Send follow-up letters to organizations
  expressing your interest in the company and
  position.
• If necessary, include an updated resume.
• Thank you letters should be received by the
  employer within 2-5 days after the event.