Preparing for a career fair? Keep these tips and tricks in the back of your mind.
The goal of a career fair is to land the interview at the company or organization you have an interest in, so decide what kind of internship you want to go after and then choose the corresponding company or organization that fits.
Make sure to do your homework on the employers. Look up the companies attending the fair you’re interested in and get to know more about them.
Be sure to take advantage of all your resources, such as attending career fair preparation sessions and mock interviews.
Prep sessions cover strategic preparation, self marketing, follow-ups and setting yourself apart, according to the MSU Career Services Network website.
Practice makes perfect, so be sure to do at least one mock interview before the fair or internship interview.
If you look your best you will feel your best, so find appropriate and commanding attire for the fair. Make a decision days before so you’re comfortable and ready the day of the fair.
“Business professional is a staple for a career fair,” said student assistant and peer advisor at the Lear Corporation Career Services Center and supply chain management senior Alison Dregne.
Go through your resume and bring it up to date. Reconsider the format, and have it looked over by a career advisor. Bring several copies to the fair in case the employers request more than one. Study the resume and know what information is on it so you are prepared for questions about it.
The last thing you want is to get lost the day of the fair or interview. Figure out exactly where you need to be and at what time. If you locate the booths and areas of your interested parties then you will stay proficient during the fair.
If you do not already have a list of contacts from career fairs then create a list of the contacts you have acquired in order to keep track of whom you need to speak with that day or post interviews.
While the career fair is going on, remind yourself of these pointers.
Carry yourself professionally, but casually enough so you are not being uptight. Mention your accomplishments, but do not brag or put yourself on a pedestal as this will turn off many employers.
Keep eye contact intact and watch your body language while talking with employers. Always thank the employer or representative for their time, and mention that you look forward to hearing from them. Be yourself and maintain your true character; representatives will notice insincerity.
“The way you present yourself to an employer in the first 30 seconds can make or break how they view you as a potential candidate,” Dregne said.
You have one shot at a first impression, so do your best to let your good intentions shine through.
