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Listen attentively: a fair is very large, noisy and crowded, so you want to let an employer know 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 represent a company, ask them questions about their experiences with the organization, factors that contributed to their hiring 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 offer the company. After the employer has provided 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 company because…”
Give your résumé and ask about next steps in the hiring process. Ask the employer how to contact them best and keep track of conversations by making notes after you have left the booth.
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