Preparing for a Career Fair

University Career Services

Objectives• Identify what to expect at a career fair

• Discuss what you need to do to prepare for a career fair

• Learn successful strategies for marketing yourself to potential employers during and after a career fair

What is a Career Fair?• Large scale event offered by universities, non-

profit organizations or consortiums to connect employers and employment seekers

Student’s Goal- to find an internship or a job; network with potential employers

Employer’s Goal- to find good candidates for internships or jobs; or to source for potential

future openings

How to Prepare- Your Resume & Research

• Prepare your resume– Have a UCS Staff member review during walk-ins or

your scheduled appointment time– Print using a Laser Jet Printer on “Resume Paper”– Bring at least 25 copies to the fair (No Cover Letter

Needed)– Some employers might say “submit your resume

online” others will take it and make notes• Research organizations attending (CareerCat)

– Think about what organizations you want to target (within your industry, small vs. large)

– Prepare questions ahead of time for each company and write down on your notepad/Portfolio Folder

– Practice answering sample questions

How to Prepare- Dress (Women)

Navy, gray, and black suits

Skirts length

Hosiery should be skin tone

Keep accessories to a minimum

Make-up should look natural

Choose one; handbag or briefcase

How to Prepare- Dress (Men)

Invest in a conservative color

Check for proper fit

Wear socks that match your trousers

Clean your shoes

The tie knot should be small

How to Prepare- What to Say• The Elevator Speech- an exercise designed to

help you practice your introduction and self-marketing

• 3 Elements to the Speech1. Who you are2. What you do3. How you do it (Your Story)

Tips•Keep it simple•Avoid jargon outside of your industry•Focus on how you can benefit the organization

What to Expect- Registration• Show your

WildCard (Student ID)

• Sign-in & Receive Booklet (Company information and More)

• Check the Dry Erase Board for Updates on Companies Attending

What to Expect- Before Entering the Room

• Name Tag– Include First, Last Name;

Major and Grad Year• Coats and Bags

– The less bulk the better– Leave your Bookbag at

Home• Orientation to the

Room(s)– Rows of Companies with

little room to walk– Overflow rooms may exist– Check the room map

Tim SmithEconomics

2010

What to Expect- The Fair

What to Expect- The Fair• Expect to speak with individuals at all levels

• Recruiters get tired, especially towards the end of a fair

• Company lines will vary in length; plan accordingly – Don’t underestimate companies with shorter lines

• Visit the side rooms

• Maintain professionalism during your entire time at the event no matter where you are

What to Expect- Approaching the Employers

• Role Play

The Recruiters’ Perspective• Be yourself

• Walk around alone at the fair

• Do not just drop off your resume

• Give a firm handshake and make good eye contact

• Ask questions

• Approaching a crowded booth can make it difficult for recruiters to answer your questions

Things to Keep in Mind• Represent Yourself Well

– Do allow the employer to see that you are interested in their company and you’ve done your research

– Do not lead with questions that might make the employer think all you care about are personal needs (i.e. Money, Location, Sponsorship)

• How do you handle uncomfortable questions?

– Employers should not be asking for personal information

• Some employers are sourcing for future talent

• Be Sure to Get Business Cards!

After the Event• Review what you learned

– Information about employers and potential opportunities

– More uncertainty leading to further research

• Write Thank you letters (within 48 hours)

• Possible interviews from career fair conversations

• Networking contacts

Let’s Start Preparing• Practicing the Elevator Speech

1. Complete the Handout2. Find a Partner3. Practice one at a time delivering your Elevator

Speech

Upcoming Career Fairs• MLK Public Interest Fair, Tues. Jan 12th 12-4pm, Norris

• Winter Career Expo, Thurs. Jan 14th 12-4pm, Norris

• Winter Tech Expo, Fri. Jan 22nd 2-6pm, Norris

• Indianapolis Career Fair, March 12th

• Science Career Forum, March 19th, U of Chicago

• Medill & School of Comm Spring Career Fair, April 7th, Norris

• Big Ten Plus Career Fair, April 9th, 12-4pm, U of Chicago

University Career ServicesMain Office

620 Lincoln Street847-491-3700

Career LabCore Reserve

Main Library, 2nd Floor NorthWeb www.northwestern.edu/careers

Facebook www.facebook.com/northwesternuncsTwitter http://twitter.com/northwesternucs

LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1926036