Written by Eshani Nandi
Career Fairs are a good way of networking and learning more about the companies and their internship offerings/jobs. Career fairs can get tiring especially standing in long queue so one must be prepared well ahead of time for this. If there are a group of people already standing around the company booth, try to become a part of the group by hearing and responding to their conversations. The details obtained from them about the companies might be helpful sometimes as each person who you touch in your professional life might play a significant role sometime or the other. Hence it is needed to leave a positive impression on everyone.
Here is a document from UCI Division of Career Pathways and some personal tips that you might find useful:
Dress appropriately: First impression is the last impression. It is highly recommended to visit the career fairs with business casual attire and closed toe shoes. It creates a sense of professionalism and shows that the person is interested in the company. If you have a name badge, put it on as it is easier to introduce yourself.
Things to take along: Resume copies, notepad, pen, water, portfolio, student ID card and business card.
Adequate time: Never hurry to a career fair. Be calm and patient, take a look at the career fair map once you arrive. It is recommended to look up the profiles of recruiters who are coming to the career fair. If it is an alum from the same university (in this case UCI), it is easier to start the conversation. Try to relate to the person whom you are talking to by having casual talks instead of purely professional conversations. But when there is a big queue it is often not possible to engage in small talk, then stick to the career pitch statements. Sometimes, sending LinkedIn requests to the recruiters prior to the career fair also helps.
List of companies: Make a list of all the companies that you are interested in and are related to your studies as it will never be possible to visit all the company booths. Do a research of all the priority companies that you are going to approach, this will help you to initiate conversations with the recruiters, especially asking good questions to the recruiters will help you stand out. Take notes when you enquire about the next steps to the recruiters or representatives of the company. Sometimes, the representatives will not be able to answer all your questions, write down the names, email ID or LinkedIn addresses of the other staff of the company. Note down specific employer information sessions, on campus interviewing and projected hiring dates that will affect you.
Respect employers’ materials: Employers often get large quantities of printed materials along with lots of goodies. Always check with the employees before taking those materials as they might need them for the next career fair as well.
Be Courteous: Keep in mind that you will be representing your department and university, demonstrate sensitivity to other students waiting to speak with the employers. Keep your questions brief and let them know that you will get back to them.
Enjoy and keep a positive attitude!
In short: Greet the recruiters with a firm handshake, welcome the representative to the university and start with an ice breaker statement such as “how was your day, did you find it difficult to reach here”, followed by the 30-second career pitch. Be ready to talk about your academic and extracurricular experiences. Ask few questions related to the company and the job roles., this shows your interest and willingness to work. Finally offer a copy of your resume and business card. After the career fair, send a thank you note to the recruiters whom you met, and it is important that you take their business cards for future reference. Keep in touch with them through LinkedIn.
Career fairs are just one of the ways of finding a job. It is never the sole way of ending up with an offer letter. Hence you should keep a check of all the other events, workshops and programs offered by UCI Division of Career Pathways or even by your department.
Resources: https://career.berkeley.edu/Fairs/fairsTips