Take advantage of this opportunity to meet employers and alumni who want to talk to you about their occupations and employment opportunities. Gather information on career options, develop a network of contacts, identify job and internship openings, or secure an interview.
Use these tips to network at a Career Fair.

 

• Dress professionally: Employers will make decisions based on first impressions.
• Expand your focus: Approach employers that appear unrelated to your major. Technical companies offer non-technical positions, and       vice-versa. A technical company may have openings in human resources, marketing, public relations or accounting. Employers do look for candidates with a strong liberal arts background and internship experience.
• Communicate your purpose: If you are looking for a job, state the type of position that interests you. If you are gathering information, tell employers you are exploring career options and are interested in learning about them.
• Make a strong first impression: When meeting employers, introduce yourself, offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, state your purpose, ask questions, listen and act professionally.
• Highlight your strengths: Be prepared to discuss your qualifications that are most related to the job. Include clear, concise examples to demonstrate your qualifications. Practice your verbal presentation (a 30-60 second “commercial” about you) so you can approach employers with confidence.
• Bring your resume: Bring enough resumes to give to organizations you are targeting. Carry them in a portfolio. Omit the objective to expand your options.
• Ask questions: Use questions to increase your knowledge of industry trends, job options and career paths. Try these questions:
  • What entry-level positions in (your career interest) are available in your organization?
  • What kind of background do you look for when filling these positions?
  • How do you see this field changing over the next five years?
  • What advice would you give me if I wanted to break into this field?
  • How did you get involved with this industry/organization? What keeps you involved?
• Follow-up: Request a business card for your records. If you want a job interview, follow up with a thank-you note or e-mail within 24 hours and include your resume.