Career Fair Tips
Preparing for a Successful Career Fair
Professionalism at the Career Fair
Patience at the Career Fair
Questions to Ask Company Representatives at the Career Fair
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What types of career opportunities does your organization offer?
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What majors does your organization typically hire? What kinds of positions do you offer in my major?
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What are the job responsibilities for that type of position?
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Are you aware of related occupations that I would be qualified for with the background/major I have or am planning to pursue?
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How did you get into the organization/career field? What is your background? How does it relate to the position?
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Could I set up a time to visit you at your workplace to talk more about what you do?
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Do you have co-op, internship or summer job opportunities for someone in my major?
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Do you know of other contacts that might be helpful to me?
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May I contact you if I need more information?
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What type of products (or services) does your company:
Manufacture? Sell? Service? Provide?
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Do you have any description of current openings at your company?
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What types of positions do you have trouble filling? Why?
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Do you have any literature describing your company?
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Is your work load seasonal?
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Do you ever need to hire someone with ________________background?
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I am interested in __________________, do you ever need someone in this area?
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What are the main skills or characteristics that you look for in an employee?
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Could you look at my resume and tell me what you like about it, and what you would suggest that I change?
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Can you start someone part-time until school is out for the summer?
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How can a job applicant convince you to call them for an interview?
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If you have interviewed someone for a job, do you mind if they call to find out the status of your hiring process?
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If you do not have an available opening that fits my background now, but I would like to work for your company,
how often could I call without becoming a pest? Who should I ask for?
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What skills do you find most marketable in your industry today?
Dress Casual but Neat
Your meeting with company representatives at the Career Fair is your first impression to the rest of the
company. If you do not impress them the first time you meet, you may not get a second chance! Plan in
advance what you are going to wear, and be sure everything is neat, clean and pressed. Simple and
conservative attire is usually best.
Update Your Resume
Before the fair, review your resume. Is it attractive and error free? Does it "sell" your skills to the
company representative? Is it targeted to the type of employment you are currently seeking? Bring a
couple of dozen professional-quality copies with you to the fair.
Practice What You Will Say
There are a few basic questions you will probably be asked all day. One of them will be "What type of job
are you looking for?" If you do not have an answer ready for this question you will not looked prepared.
Although it may be partly true, do not say you will take any job they have. Commit to a specific type of
job such as customer service support, clerical assistant, accounting clerk, welder, etc. If you do not want
to be specific, offer your experience: "I have skills in sales, marketing and advertising, and I am
interested in opportunities with your company."
Be Prepared to Discuss Anything
You might be asked to describe your strength and skills, experience, special training or qualifications for a
specific job. Someone might ask you why you left your previous job or why you are looking for a career
change. If you are prepared to field a variety of questions, your tact and kill will show you as a superior
candidate.
Arrange for Some Daycare
If possible, arrange for someone to watch your child (ren) while you are speaking to employers. Although
children and fairs usually go together, a Career fair is a serious opportunity to meet with prospective
employers. Be as professional here as you would be at a job interview.
Network while You Wait
Talk to fellow job seekers while you are waiting to speak to a specific employer. Who have they talked
to? Have they heard of anyone hiring someone with your background?
Preparing for a Successful Career Fair
Obtain a list of employers
Plan your strategy for the companies you want to talk to. Do research on the companies in the Career
Services Resource Library (McCannel Hall Rm 280) with faculty or at the public library. Prepare questions
to ask the company representative.
A perfect resume is a must
Your resume is an opportunity to present yourself. Make it a presentation you can be proud of. Proof your
resume for errors. If you are looking for more than one type of work, you may need more than one type
of resume. Career Services has many resume guides and PC’s you can use to polish your resume. Also,
Career Services would be happy to go over your resume with you if you would like suggestions. Just call
777-3904 to set up an appointment.
Learn to sell yourself
You have only a few minutes to introduce yourself, and spark the company representative’s interest in
you for a future, more formal interview. This takes practice. Use a mirror, tape recorder or a friend!
BE POSITIVE!
Professionalism at the Career Fair
Be remembered for the "right" reasons
Now is not the time to have a too creative resume or wear unusual clothing
Be polite at all times
The person you meet in the parking lot, hallway or restroom may be the company recruiter you will see
later in the day
Recruiters see you
As a potential future representative of their company. Display confidence, enthusiasm and the ability to
think and speak "on your feet" – and under pressure.
Get the representatives business card
Discuss how and when to follow up. A follow up letter is an appropriate way to reiterate your
qualifications, what you know about the company and why you a "good fit."
Patience at the Career Fair
Make notes
After you have spoken to the representative, take the time to regroup and prepare to follow-up.
Statistics
Career Fair statistics show that up to 49% of the candidates who prepare in advance can receive
interviews at the fair, and 65% of those candidates receive job offers. This process can take three
months or longer (the larger the company, the longer this may take).
