1. HOW TO WORK A CAREER FAIR
First Ave. Career Fair 3/2/2012

2. TODAY’S AGENDA:
 Preparing to get the most from the career fair
 Before, During, and After
 What to expect when you’re there
 How to follow up after the event
 Questions you have

3. BEFORE THE FAIR
 Plan
 Identify 5 -10 companies you want to speak with
 Research
 The companies you are interested in and others
attending
 Rehearse
 Your introduction by yourself, to your friends, and to
strangers if possible

4. BEFORE CONTINUED . . .
 Get a list of employers from event organizers
 Research employers using:
 Their websites: About Us, History, Mission
 Portland Business Journal
 Google
 Begin to develop your intro speech, know who you
are and what you’re looking for.

5. WHAT TO BRING
 A simple portfolio
 Plenty of “A Game”
resumes
 No backpacks

6. WHAT TO WEAR
 Employers evaluate you on
appearance; show that you
are a professional
 Appropriate professional
attire
 Match your dress to event
 If you don’t have a suit –
Get one but . . .
 Nice pants and a dress shirt
or blouse with dress shoes
will work at a minimum.

7. CAREER FAIR DRESS FAILS

8. INTRODUCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT
 Get good at:
 Making eye contact
 Smiling
 Offering a firm
handshake
 Saying your name
 Introductions are
critical and now it’s
your turn.

10. DURING THE FAIR
 Begin to work your plan
 Warm up with employers you weren’t planning on
talking with
 When you’re ready, take a deep breath and
approach your top choices
 Talk with the employers about your interests and
ask questions

11. QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS
 What are the traits and skills of people who are the
most successful in the “role I’m interested in”?
 Why did you come to work here? What keeps you
here?
 What things has your company accomplished of
which you are especially proud?
 What is your hiring time line for this internship / job?

12. QUESTIONS TO NEVER ASK EMPLOYERS
 What does your company do?
 What can your company do for me?
 How many hours a day do you work?
 Any question about salary, vacation time, or
benefits.
 Any personal question.
 Wanna get some coffee, sometime?

13. BEFORE LEAVING AN EMPLOYER
 Get the recruiter's
business card at the
close of your meeting
 Ask how and when you
should follow up.
 Get more company
information
 Thank recruiter for
his/her time

14. BEFORE MOVING ON
 Make notes about the recruiter, employer, and
job
 These notes will be important later when you write
your follow-up letters after the job fair
 Reflect
on how the interaction went, what you
learned, what you wish you would have said
 Mentally rehearse it for the next interaction and move
to the next employer on your list

15. AFTER THE FAIR
 FOLLOW UP!
 Organize all the material you received
 WRITE THANK YOU LETTERS !!!! – Recruiters are
expecting them!
 Send within 24 Hours
 Your letter should again demonstrate how you would be a "good
fit"
 You know what they're looking for
 If you talked to more than one person at one booth, send each
recruiter you talked to a separate thank you
 Can you send Thank-You e-mails?
 E-mails are best used if the hiring time line is quick and you need
immediate response
 It is recommended that you send hard copy follow up as well

16. QUESTIONS?