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.