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Things to consider about job fairs

• Pick up a floor map, and plan out which companies you want to visit. You may want to speak to representatives from companies you are really interested in after you have practiced and warmed up with some other companies first 

• You should take copies of your résumé to leave with employers at their request, but, ideally, you want to send (the next day) a letter or résumé that reflects the information you gained from your discussion with the employer. If you do leave a résumé on the day of the fair, follow up the next day with a letter, email, or LinkedIn message 

• It is best not to arrive during the last half hour of the event because employers may be tired after a long day or need to leave early 

• Avoid taking an employer’s promotional materials without first talking to the company representative and then being invited to do so 

• Consider visiting booths by yourself. You may appear to be more confident and be better able to focus and market yourself if you are on your own 

• It’s best not to directly ask for a job. Introduce yourself and ask questions of the company representative 

• Be mindful of the time you take with each employer. Do not spend more than ten minutes with an employer unless the representative invites you to continue the conversation. Other students will want to speak with the employer, so be careful not to monopolize an employer’s time 

• Collect the names of appropriate people to follow up with after the fair 

• Be organized: take a folder to collect handouts, a calendar in case an employer wants to schedule an interview, and a pen and paper or electronic organizer to record notes and required follow-up 

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Suggestions for positive interactions   

• Listen attentively: a fair is very large, noisy, and crowded, so you want to let an employer know that they have your full attention. 

• Avoid generic questions such as, “So, tell me about your company” and discussing salary; instead, focus on specific, targeted questions based on your knowledge of them. Posing specific questions demonstrates your interest in the employer and your initiative in getting to know them.

• Tailor your questions to the person you are speaking with. If you encounter a human resources representative, you could ask questions about corporate information, orientation, and working conditions. Topics appropriate for managers include how their work solves the organization's challenges. Then ask how work is assigned and evaluated, the day-to-day working conditions, and what specific training is needed. If alumni from your home institution are representing a company, ask them questions about their experiences with the organization, factors that contributed to their hire, and typical career paths within the organization.

• Prepare and practice a 30-45 second self-introduction, highlighting your knowledge, training, skills, and experience and what you can bring to the company. Close your presentation with a focused question that will engage the employer in conversation.

• Relate what you learn from the employer to what you have to offer the company. After the employer has provided you with some information, you could respond with a more tailored statement such as, “Thanks for sharing that information. I believe I would be a good fit for your program because…”

• Give your résumé and ask about next steps in the hiring process. Ask the employer how to best contact them and keep track of conversations by making notes after you have left the booth.  

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