Making the Most of a Job Fair

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Making the Most of a Job Fair

• Tutorial

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

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Before the Job Fair

• Preparation for a job fair begins long before the
  day of the actual event. In order to put your
  best foot forward, you need to complete some
  tasks ahead of time.

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Registration

• Most job fairs require you to pre-register. This
  ensures that you will receive all materials.
• Registration can usually be done online.
• If the job fair is held off campus, secure
  transportation. Check with Career Services for
  shuttle options.

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Research Companies Offerings

• Most events will post a list of participating
  employers on a webpage. This list is usually
  posted 2-3 weeks prior to the event.
• These lists are updated on a continuous basis, so
  be sure to check it often.
• When viewing the list of employers, be sure to
  check for
• The types of positions hiring for (ex.
  internships, full-time)
• Majors they are seeking
• Additional requirements

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Job Fair Preparation

• There are three things that you will need to
  prepare before attending any job fair. They are
• Your commercial
• Your professional resume
• Questions to ask recruiters

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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.
• If you need assistance
• Attend a resume writing workshop.
• Refer to examples found in the Career Resource
  Library.
• Visit the resume links found on the Career
  Services website.
• Meet with a Career Counselor.

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60 Second Commercial

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

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Example of a Commercial

•   Hello, my name is _______. I am currently a
  junior, majoring in economics and working
  part-time as a supervisor at McDaniels
  Information Technology Department. This role has
  enhanced my communication, management and
  leadership skills. In addition, I had an
  internship over the summer with XYZ Company where
  I worked in a team environment on a variety of
  marketing and website development projects. I
  recently read an article about your company's
  plans for business growth in the Northeast, and
  I'm interested in learning more.

http//careerservices.rutgers.edu/careerservices
guide/commerical.html
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Questions

• Remember, this is a job fair so your time with
  recruiters is short. Ask questions that will
  yield the most important information.
• Topics to consider include
• Desirable skills
• Qualifications
• Academic preparation
• New employee training
• Job tasks associated with the position

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Sample Questions to Ask

• What type of training do new employees receive?
• What qualities and characteristics are you
  looking for in an applicant?
• What kind of projects are new employees typically
  involved with?
• For a complete list of questions, visit Career
  Services and pick up our Making the Most of a
  Job Fair handout.

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Job Fair Kit

• A few days before the job fair you will want to
  prepare your job fair kit and outline your
  strategy.
• 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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Job Fair Kit

• In order to make the best use of your time at a
  job fair, it is best to come prepared with 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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Day of the Job Fair

• While you have multiple copies of your resume and
  your strategy in hand, there are few things to
  consider before entering the job fair.

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Dress

• Dress the same as you would for a job interview.
• Avoid
• Too much jewelry, make-up and perfume.
• Low cut blouses, short skirts, tight clothing,
  and character ties.
• Absolutely no
• Jeans, sweatshirts or flip-flops.

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Must Dos

• 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 commercial.
• 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

• Send follow-up letters to organizations
  expressing your interest in the company and
  position.
• If necessary, include an updated resume.
• Notify Career Services regarding job interviews
  and offers.

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Need More Assistance?

• Contact Career Services
• 410-871-3305
• career_at_mcdaniel.edu
• www.mcdaniel.edu/5402.htm