These are the things you can do to succeed at a careers fair. These tips will help you stand out at any information session, booth, or employer-student chat. Don't be afraid to dress up, make a good impression, and avoid crowds.
Dress professionally
Dress professionally when you attend a career fair. For men, this means wearing a suit (or sport coat) with a formal shirt. A blouse and sweater are appropriate for women. Both items must be cleaned and pressed. A small amount of jewelry is appropriate.
Before you go to the careers fair, take the time to research the company. You can learn more about their company and the workplace attire they wear. A few flyers and giveaways may be sent to you by the company, so make sure you have somewhere to store them. It is also important to maintain a professional look, since you will be interviewing multiple people.
Prepare a 30-second pitch
Attending a careers fair gives you the chance to meet recruiters from companies that are hiring. Bring your resume and prepare your elevator pitch. A list of questions that you would like to ask the recruiter is also possible. This will give you confidence and prepare you for any questions they may have.
A strong elevator pitch should highlight two to three key points. It should be tailored to each individual company and role.
Be courteous
It can be daunting to attend a career fair. Be polite and courteous with employers. You can also prepare by doing research on the company you will be interviewing with. Research will help you to make a more appealing resume and impress employers. Being polite and maintaining eye contact is a good habit. If you cannot shake a person's hand, you can nod your head or wave a quick wave.
When interviewing for an employer, you should be ready to make a brief introduction. Always have your resume/CV ready. Be prepared to talk about interests, academic experience, and other skills. Thank the employer for taking the time to interview you. Keep your questions brief and ask for clarification later.
Avoid the crowds
Although career fairs can be stressful, there are ways you can avoid them. Avoid crowds at the job fair. First of all, you should wear a comfortable, lightweight outfit. Don't wear a heavy coat and don't forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking. Remember to keep hydrated. You should also bring small snacks and drinks. These snacks can give you energy and can also help you avoid becoming dehydrated or hungry.
It's also important to select the right device. It's best to use a laptop or desktop instead of a propped-up tablet. You can protect your hearing by wearing headphones when you go to a virtual career fair. Don't forget eye contact with recruiters. When a job opportunity opens, they'll remember you.
Introduce yourself
It's important to introduce oneself at a careers fair. This is your first chance at making a good impression. Make sure to be well prepared with your elevator pitch, academic and extracurricular achievements, and career interests. Make sure you thank the person for introducing yourself.
You should bring multiple copies of your resume as well as a portfolio containing your best work. Don't dress up, but dress professionally. Avoid looking down at your phone and sipping coffee while you walk. You can introduce yourself to recruiters by sharing your work history and highlighting why you should be hired.