As spring semester takes off, some of us are beginning to think about our summer plans. The unpleasant stress of finding a job or internship can be very overwhelming. Get a jump start on this search by attending a local career fair. With a quick google search, you can see what events are coming up around you. Once you find an event and date, here is how you can prepare to make the most of this opportunity.
Polish Up Your Resume
A resume is a summary of your skills, knowledge and relevant experience. Before the career fair, it should be updated and reviewed by at least three other people. It must be free of spelling, grammatical, and formatting inconsistencies, and include an objective statement, education, and experience. Your school’s career services center is a great resource for resume review help.
Attend Prep Workshops
Many schools also have professional workshops before a career fair. These topics can cover ranging from job search planning to interviewing tips, to managing and negotiating offers. If your school doesn’t offer these programs, you can prepare professionally by exploring online for YouTube videos and advice. Learn how to tie a tie, create an elevator pitch, and learn which networking tips work better than others.
Make a Game Plan
Many career fairs have a wealth of information online, including employer directories, maps of the venue, and helpful tips. Know how to register, where to park and what entrance to use. Figuring out these details in advance will make the event feel more manageable and will help make the day go more smoothly.
Do Your Research
Research in advance what companies are coming to the fair and which ones you want to speak to. Think about locations, industries, and corporations you are interested in. Learn about company values, positions available, or opportunities that interest you. Make notes, think of questions and choose which booths you want to visit. By narrowing down the list, you can make the fair as small or as big as you want!
What to Wear & Bring
Wear a clean, pressed suit (pants or skirt), a professional tie and comfortable dress shoes. Bring multiple copies of your professional resume in a portfolio or folder. It is recommended that you also have a notebook or paper to jot down notes. Be prepared to attend interviews and information sessions after the fair. It’s also a good idea to follow up with each recruiter you spoke to.
Go into the career fair with confidence. You have unique skills and abilities that any company would be lucky to have. We’re wishing you nothing but success on your job/ internship/ co-op search!