Job Fair Tips
Be sure to develop a plan of action so that you can be confident. Make this job fair a positive experience by following the basic guidelines below:
- Review the employer information. Review what you can offer.
- Dress in professional business attire (i.e., a suit for both men & women). Wear comfortable business-style shoes-lines can become quite long.
- Have copies of your resume ready (there are no copy machines available at the job fair venue!)
- Never bring family members. NO CHILDREN!
- Orient yourself to the facility upon arrival, and review the information packet given to you at the registration table.
- Observe how people approach tables and watch the flow of traffic in the room.
- Develop an interview plan, which includes taking a break to assure that you will look and feel your best.
- As you approach the company table, respect other people's privacy as they complete their conversations.
- Conduct yourself professionally at all times. Remember that you are on stage even as you stand in line.
- Have a three-point agenda: know what you are looking for, what you have to offer and what questions you will ask the employer.
- Listen carefully and take conversational cues from the employer.
- Try to generate and maintain interest by smiling, responding to questions with specific and concise examples, keeping your voice lively and in a pleasant tone, using humor appropriately and avoiding clichés.
- Link qualifications (skills, abilities, experience) with the job/employer.
- Respond truthfully, while always painting a positive picture of yourself.
- Ask for employer information, application materials, and the interviewer's business card.
- Do not be surprised if the employer asks you to go online to complete an application and/or submit a resume. Due to employment laws and/or the sheer volume of resumes that employers receive, applying online is quite common. For some employers, every candidate-even an internal one--must apply online.
- Ask about the hiring process and its time lines, and determine actual and potential openings.
- At the end of the interview, offer a firm handshake and express your appreciation using the interviewer's name.
- Walk away with confidence, remembering that you are still on stage.