- What does the employer get out of a
job fair?
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- It is their chance to promote their job and/or internship
opportunities.
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- They can create an awareness of their organization and provide
career information.
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- Interacting with large groups of candidates at one site is cost
effective and efficient.
- Why should I attend job
fairs?
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- To promote yourself, your skills and qualifications directly to
employers.
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- To make contact with a concentrated area of employers in one
day.
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- 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?
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- Obtain a list of employers that are participating from the
Internet.
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- Highlight the organizations you are most interested in and
research them.
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- Prepare a quality, professional resume for employers at the
fair.
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- Purchase proper attire, generally you will be expected to wear
a business suit and take care with general grooming.
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- How can I research
employers?
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- Select the organizations you are most interested in from the
list.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- What will it be like?
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- Avoid getting overwhelmed by creating a "plan of attack."
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- Before entering, review the provided floor plan and directory
to help reduce backtracking and confusion.
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- If a line is unusually long, come back later when it is
shorter.
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- Wear the provided name tag on the right side of your
jacket.
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- Arrive early; This increases your chances of meeting with
recruiter.
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- Don't expect a job offer; Most employers are not authorized to
make job offers at the fair.
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- Focus on obtaining an interview, not a job offer.
- What should I take?
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- A Professional Resume
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- Meet with the Career Counselor for suggestions on creating a
resume before the fair.
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- A Pen and Paper
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- Make a note about each recruiter and/or employer for follow-up
after the event.
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- A Small Briefcase
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- Organize your materials, collect business cards, and carry
materials in a professional manner.
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- A Well-Prepared Portfolio
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- In case you have an interview at the job fair, be prepared with
a professional portfolio.
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- What should I say to the
recruiters?
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- Develop and practice a one-minute "commercial" that will
summarize your strengths, skills, experience, and accomplishments.
A sample commercial should look something like this:
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- Introduction: Introduce
yourself; offer a smile and a firm handshake, and a copy of your
resume.
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- Objective: Tell the
employer why you are speaking to them, and what sort of employment
you are seeking.
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- Summary: Offer an
explanation of who you are, your education, experiences, and
accomplishments.
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- Reiterate: Comment on your
interest in the organization and/or the position, and thank the
recruiter for their time.
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- When it is appropriate, display any knowledge you have of the
organization and ask any relevant questions.
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- Avoid questions regarding salary and benefits and just focus on
what you can offer the employer.
- What questions should I ask the
recruiters?
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- Research prior to the fair will help you develop good questions
related to the employer.
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- Some sample questions might include:
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- Ideally, what kind of person are you seeking to full this
position?
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- What are some of the challenges of this job?
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- What do you as an employee like best about this
organization?
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- Is there a training program for new employees?
- The job fair is over, now
what?
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- Use the business cards you gained to send thank you notes.
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- Thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the
organization and the specific position.
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