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Learn to Work a Career Fair--
Before, During and After
Advice for Students
Every semester we sponsor a job fair here
at Fullerton College, employers are happy to see all the eager students
interested in their companies. However, every semester employers seem
to comment that students could have been better prepared. To get
something from the experience beyond a few free key chains, you need to
understand what you should do before, during and after the career fair--and
then follow through.
Before
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Develop a Strong Resume:
Highlight your skills and accomplishments. The document should be
error-free, concise and graphically pleasing. Don't forget to make
several copies, since you'll probably visit with more than one employer.
The Workforce Center offers lots of information on creating resumes in our
office and online. We even offer personalized resume assistance
(Sign up early, since appointments and workshops will not be available the
week of and the week before the event). Students are also welcome to
use our copy services to make free copies of resumes.
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Study the Organizations Attending the
Fair: Nothing impresses an employer less than a student asking, "So
what do you guys do?" Instead, be one of the few students who knows
something about each of the companies. The more informed you are,
the more likely you will be positively remembered. Our staff generally
has a complete list of all employers who plan to attend the fair one week
prior to the event.
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Develop a 30-Second Commercial:
"Tell me a little about yourself". You're likely to get that
invitation from many employers at the fair. So spend a little time
beforehand figuring out your response. Think of your reply as a
30-second, self-promotional commercial you'll deliver to each employer who
asks.
During
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Introduce Yourself and Shake Hands:
In many ways, a career fair is a test of your social skills. While
employers are almost always friendly and outgoing, they'll expect the same
of you. If you haven't done much ice breaking before, practice in
advance with a friend or even the Workforce Center Staff!
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Dress Appropriately: In most
cases, you'll want to dress professionally to attend a career fair.
Sometimes business casual is fine, but don't go too casual. When in
doubt, overdress. Substitute a briefcase or bag for your backpack;
you want to look less like a student and more like a future professional.
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Ask Intelligent Questions: If
you've studied up on the organizations, you'll probably have some
questions you'd like to ask. Not only will you get some answers, but
you'll also show yourself to be someone who does his research.
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Focus on What You Can Offer:
You'll be a refreshing change to most company representatives if you tell
them what you can do for them and their organizations instead of asking
what they can do for you.
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Leave Your Resume with Each
Representative: Then be sure to grab each representative's card.
After
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Take Notes: After the fair
concludes, jot down notes about conversations you had with company
representative. If you wait too long, the conversations will start
running together in your head, and you'll forget what you've said to whom.
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Follow Up on Promises: If, for
example, a company representative expressed interest in looking at your
Web site, make sure to email the URL like you said you would.
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Send Thank-You Notes: Write or
email each of the people you met and thank them for their time.
Reiterate your interest in the company and your relevant skills and
experience. Most job seekers fail to take this simple step, often
losing out in the end to those who did express their thanks.
There will be few other times in your
life when employers will make such a concerted bid to get your
attention. So when they participate in a job fair, make the most of
the opportunity to present yourself favorably, gather useful information and
meet new contacts. Your small investment of time and effort--before,
during and after--might very well turn into an opportunity you wouldn't have
otherwise had.
(from Learn to Work a Career Fair by Peter Vogt,
MonsterTRAK Career Coach).
Our Next Job Fair is
Scheduled for
Wednesday, October 22 from 10 am - 2 pm
on the Fullerton College Quad
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