Crack The Career Fair Code
Think of a career fair as a giant job speed-dating event. Companies set up booths to meet students, looking for top talent. It’s a chance for students to connect with potential employers, learn about different industries, and even land a job or internship.
Why Should Students Go?
Career fairs are a golden ticket to launching a career. Students get to bypass the online application process and meet people face-to-face. Plus, they can explore different job options and industries without committing to anything.
How Do Students Get Ready for a Career Fair?
Preparation is key for students attending a career fair. They should start by researching the companies that will be there, learn what the companies do, and why they might be interested in working there. Next, it’s important to have a polished resume, making it clear, concise, and highlighting their skills. Practicing an elevator pitch – a brief summary of who they are and what they can offer – is also essential.
Before the career fair, students should use Handshake to explore the list of attending employers. Creating a list of companies they’re interested in will save time and reduce stress. However, it’s important to stay open to new opportunities. Smaller or less-known companies can offer unique advantages, and while brand-name companies are appealing, there are benefits to exploring a variety of options.
What Should Students Wear?
First impressions matter. Students should dress to impress in business casual attire – think khakis or dress pants with a button-down shirt. It’s important to look professional but still be comfortable. Dressing up shows they’re serious about their career and respect the companies they’re meeting.
Do Students Need to Bring Anything?
Absolutely! Students should bring plenty of copies of their resume. They’ll also want a pen and paper for taking notes. A portfolio or folder to keep everything organized is a good idea too.
Tips for Navigating Career Fairs
Talking to recruiters at career fairs may feel daunting. But remember, they are people just like you and want to meet students! Most of the time, it will feel like a casual discussion about their company, open positions, and the student’s interests and background. The goal should be to learn more about what they are looking for and share their main skills and experiences.
How Should Students Talk to Employers?
Students should be confident and enthusiastic. They should start with a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Asking about the company, the job openings, and what they look for in candidates shows genuine interest in what they do.
How Should Students Introduce Themselves?
Students should introduce themselves and begin the conversation. Sometimes it will start with them asking some questions, and sometimes the recruiters will have a few questions for them. Knowing something about the company and asking questions they can’t find answers to online is crucial.
Students should include their name, interests, and major (if undeclared, highlight what they’re interested in). Mentioning why they want to chat with the company is important. Are they working on a fascinating project? Is the industry meaningful to them? Do they love to use the skills the company needs? It helps if they have looked up who will be at the fair and written a few notes about the companies they want to meet.
Example Questions to Ask:
What kinds of projects do your interns work on? (If it sounds like work the student has done before, they should give an example in response.)
What are three main qualifications that your company is looking for? (If they mention a skill the student has, they should respond and describe where they developed that skill.)
To be successful in this position, what courses or experiences do you suggest to prospective candidates?
What is your company’s culture like?
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing someone in this position? Or, what challenges might an intern need to tackle as they begin?
What are the backgrounds of other employees in the X department?
I’ve read that your company is involved in X, I’m interested in that because of Y. I’ve done Z in the past, so how can I get more experience in that area?
Are there specific career tracks within the organization? What can a typical employee hired in your division expect to be doing 2, 5, or 10 years after hiring?
Keep in mind that this isn’t all students can ask; these are just starters for conversations with recruiters. They shouldn’t feel limited by this list, and should let the conversation flow naturally!
Should Students Give Their Resume to Employers?
Definitely! Students should always have copies of their resume ready to hand out. This shows they’re prepared and interested in the company. They should give the recruiter their resume, either at the start of the conversation or at the end (or when asked for one).
What Will an Employer Expect of Students?
Employers want to see that students are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and professional. They should show that they’ve done their research on the company. Being ready to talk about their skills and how they match the company’s needs is crucial. And most importantly, they should be themselves!
How to Wrap Up Conversations
As students wrap up the conversation, they should reiterate their interest and thank the recruiter for their time. Ask about the next steps – is it best to apply online as well? When do they hope to be interviewing candidates? If told to apply online in addition to meeting them, they should do so as soon as possible.
How Should Students Follow Up After the Fair?
Students should ask for business cards and send a thank you email within 24 hours to the people they talked to. Briefly reiterating their interest in the company and mentioning something specific from the conversation shows they’re serious about the opportunity.
What Are Some Common Problem Areas That Employers Notice?
Employers often notice unprepared candidates, a lack of enthusiasm, or candidates who can’t articulate their skills. Students should avoid generic questions and focus on showing how they can add value to the company. Also, they should be mindful of their body language – maintaining eye contact and a firm handshake is important.
Attending a career fair can be a pivotal step in the job search journey. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with potential employers, learn about various industries, and showcase skills and experiences. By preparing effectively and approaching each interaction with confidence, students can make a lasting impression and open doors to exciting career opportunities.