BGSU FIRELANDS CAREER SERVICES GUIDE TO JOB FAIRS
Job Fairs are an ideal opportunity for Job Seekers. Attending a job fair allows you to speak with lots of employers who have come specifically because they want to hire qualified candidates - to hire you. This brochure is designed to help you use job fairs to your best advantage.
1. Take the job fair seriously.
Employers are there to hire, and you are there to interview. Approach a job fair the same way you would approach an interview.
2. Dress professionally
Dress as well as you would for a formal interview.
3. Bring Resumes.
Bring more resumes than you expect to need in order to be sure you have enough to give to employers. Be sure that your resume is up-to-date, focused and free of mistakes. For assistance in sharpening your resume, contact John Clark in Career Services, or utilize the Career Services 24 Hour Resume Review service.
4. Research in advance.
If you can, find out in advance which employers are coming to the fair, and what positions they are hiring for. Once you determine which employers are hiring for positions you may be interested in, contact Career Services to see whether the office has information about them. The more you know about an employer, the better an impression you make!
5. Allow plenty of time.
Be sure to allow enough time to speak with as many employers as possible. Set aside at least one hour. Traffic at a job fair is likely to be heaviest during the lunch hour coming early may help you maximize your time.
6. Pick up a business card from each employer.
Get a business card from each employer you speak with, and make notes about your conversation after you leave the table. This will serve as a reminder of information which you may want to remember later. It may also help to take copies of any literature available at the employer=s table.
7. Be prepared to ask - and answer - questions.
While this is not a formal interview, employers come to job fairs to screen potential new employees, and will use your contact with them to learn about you. This is also your opportunity to learn about the company, what positions they are recruiting for, and other information about the company. Be prepared to answer probing questions, and think through in advance any information you may want from employers. For help in preparing, contact Career Services.
8. Be assertive.
Do not be afraid to approach an employer and represent yourself assertively. Find out what qualities and skills the employer is seeking, and if you have what the employer wants, tell him/ her. Remember, employers at job fairs want to hire qualified personnel. The most effective way to help an employer recognize your abilities is to tell him/her up front. Think through a brief summary of your skills and abilities in advance, and use this as a Ascript@. Be polite, but do not hesitate to tell the employer you are interested in working for them.
9. Follow Up.
Be sure to send thank-you notes to employers after the fair. Thank the employer for speaking with you, and remind them of your interest and qualifications. This not only gains you a second opportunity to Astate your case@, but also helps you stand out as one of the few job-seekers who will have been so courteous. A thank-you note is a small thing which can make a big impression.