SRU's Job Fair Success Tips

What does the employer get out of a job fair?

It is their chance to promote their job and/or internship opportunities.
They can create an awareness of their organization and provide career information.
Interacting with large groups of candidates at one site is cost effective and efficient.

Why should I attend job fairs?

To promote yourself, your skills and qualifications directly to employers.
To make contact with a concentrated area of employers in one day.
To gather information on job opportunities, trends, and find out what employers are looking for in a candidate.

How can I prepare for a job fair?

Obtain a list of employers that are participating from the Internet.
Highlight the organizations you are most interested in and research them.
Prepare a quality, professional resume for employers at the fair.
Purchase proper attire, generally you will be expected to wear a business suit and take care with general grooming.
For more information on professional dress, visit Proper Dress for Interviews.

How can I research employers?

Select the organizations you are most interested in from the list.
Note what products they produce or services they provide, how long they have been in business, whether they are publicly or privately owned, their mission statement, and current job openings.
Having this information before the fair will help you stand out from other candidates, you will be able to hold an intelligent conversation and ask pertinent questions.
Research a Company for more tips.

What will it be like?

Expect a lot of people!
Avoid getting overwhelmed by creating a "plan of attack."
Before entering, review the provided floor plan and directory to help reduce backtracking and confusion.
If a line is unusually long, come back later when it is shorter.
Wear the provided name tag on the right side of your jacket.
Arrive early; This increases your chances of meeting with recruiter.
Don't expect a job offer; Most employers are not authorized to make job offers at the fair.
Focus on obtaining an interview, not a job offer.

What should I take?

Meet with the career counselor for suggestions on creating a resume before the fair.
Visit our Build a Resume page.

A Pen and Paper
- Make a note about each recruiter and/or employer for follow-up after the event.
A Small Briefcase
- Organize your materials, collect business cards, and carry materials in a professional manner.
A Well-Prepared Portfolio
- In case you have an interview at the job fair, be prepared with a professional portfolio.
- Visit our Portfolio Developmentpage for help.

What should I say to the recruiters?

Develop and practice a one-minute "commercial" that will summarize your strengths, skills, experience, and accomplishments. A sample commercial should look something like this:

Introduction: Introduce yourself; offer a smile and a firm handshake, and a copy of your resume.
Objective: Tell the employer why you are speaking to them, and what sort of employment you are seeking.
Summary: Offer an explanation of who you are, your education, experiences, and accomplishments.
Reiterate: Comment on your interest in the organization and/or the position, and thank the recruiter for their time.

When it is appropriate, display any knowledge you have of the organization and ask any relevant questions.
Avoid questions regarding salary and benefits and just focus on what you can offer the employer.

What questions should I ask the recruiters?

Research prior to the fair will help you develop good questions related to the employer.
Some sample questions might include:
- Ideally, what kind of person are you seeking to full this position?
- What are some of the challenges of this job?
- What do you as an employee like best about this organization?
- Is there a training program for new employees?

The job fair is over, now what?

Use the business cards you gained to send thank you notes.
Thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the organization and the specific position.
- View a Sample Thank You Letter

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Upcoming Career Events
May 01	Western PA Education Recruiting Job Fair. Edinboro University, Time 9:00AM - 3:30PM
On Going	On Campus Interviews