CAREER FAIR
CAREER FAIR
STUDENT INFORMATION
Don't miss this annual spring event which attracts local employers in search of candidates to fill summer, full-time, part-time, co-op, and internship positions.
BEFORE THE CAREER FAIR
Prepare and bring plenty of marketable resumes.
Research the company of interest.
Be prepared to ask questions of the representatives.
Practice out loud - it helps.
Try to identify specific experiences that demonstrate strengths.
Back up skills with specific examples – this makes a stronger candidate.
DURING THE CAREER FAIR-BEHAVIOR
Make a good first impression.
Make eye contact immediately during introductions.
Give a firm handshake.
Remember the representative’s name; if not, casually refer to nametag.
Smile and be polite – enthusiasm is an important quality.
Dress appropriately/professionally. A suit is not required, but ratty jeans will not make the right impression.
Body language often can speak louder than spoken word.
Do not fidget or play with hair. Do not rock from side to side.
Do not look around when talking or being spoken to.
Do not chew gum, suck on candy, or anything that will interfere with ability to speak clearly.
COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL - LISTENING AND SPEAKING
Listen carefully to what the representative has to say.
Avoid using filler words such as “um,” “like,” “you know.”
The facility may be noisy and if the company can’t hear the candidate, they won’t remember him/her.
Offer a professional-looking resume or offer to send one.
Ask for a business card or write down the representative’s name. It is also appropriate to ask what the hiring procedure is.
Explore all options: Speak with organizations not considered before.
Take the initiative and engage in meaningful conversations with representatives.
Representatives will be providing information about their organizations and career fields.
Representatives are excellent resources in a career search and decision-making process.
AFTER THE CAREER FAIR
Mailing a thank-you letter promptly is appropriate. It will bring attention back to the candidate. This is why asking for a business card is crucial.
Send an initial or additional resume with a thank-you letter - again, point out strengths.
If sending an application, make sure it is complete and legible.
When calling, be prepared and know/practice dialogue beforehand.
ASKING QUESTIONS OF THE REPRESENTATIVES AT THE CAREER FAIR
First and foremost, questions should be natural and a natural flow should be maintained. Before beginning with questions be sure to make introductions and establish rapport with the representatives.
Listen carefully to their answers. Be courteous. Before leaving, be sure to close the conversation and thank them again.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS TO ASK
Don’t read directly from this list of questions at the Career Fair.
How many employees does your company have?
What goals does your company have for the future?
What kind of entry-level positions exist within your organization?
Does your company hire on a continual basis or just certain times of the year?
How long does the hiring process take?
What does your organization consider the 5 most important qualities in an employee?
Are advanced degrees important - if so, in what areas?
What courses do you suggest in order to be a successful candidate?
Is there a GPA cut-off in the recruiting process?
What personality traits are important for success in your company?
What can an entry-level employee expect to be doing 2, 5, 10 years from now?
What made you choose this company?
How long have you been with the company?
What has your organization accomplished of which you are especially proud?
How many years does the entry-level employee typically stay within the company?
What percentage of applicants is eventually hired?
What is the retention rate in the company?
Do you expect your employees to relocate?
EMPLOYER INFORMATION
For an opportunity to speak with over 250 students and graduates about career opportunities, plan to attend our annual spring career fair. The career fair is designed for employers wishing to employ and recruit students and graduates from our Business Computer Arts & Sciences Division, Industrial and Engineering Technologies Division, and Health and Human Services Division.
For an invitation letter, notify Career Services with the name of firm, address, contact name, email address, and telephone number.
There is a $40 registration fee which covers refreshments, one 6’ display table, table covering, company sign, and name tags for each representative in attendance.
Some tips for success at the Career Fair:
A good exhibit is simply a stage for information exchange -- the company is the focus, not the exhibit
Representatives may bring their own display or sign, as well as any literature, brochures, business cards, employment applications, electronic equipment, or promotional items
The visual message should give even a casual observer a clear idea of what the company does -- make demonstrations short but entertaining
Have brochures and business cards on hand, but keep paper to a minimum
Make a good first impression -- students will base their opinion of the organization on the company representatives
Staff must be very knowledgeable about their organization and career opportunities
Ensure exhibit is staffed at all times
Stand, don't sit, at the exhibit
Wear name tags prominently
Don't wait for visitors to approach -- be assertive, friendly, and sincere
When choosing a color for the display:
blue = low key and low stress
red = high energy
yellow
= #1 attention grabber
green
= comforting
orange
= cheap, inexpensive
metallic
= premium, pricey
black
= power
white
= good guy
After the career fair, respond to all inquiries personally ASAP to reinforce the company's good image; follow-up with any candidate directly; interviews can be set up at the company's office, or the use of our facility is available for a nominal charge.