At the Career Fair

• Review the list of employers (At the career fair, you will receive a printed list that includes a short description of the organization.)
  • To whom do you most want to speak? Plan to approach your top choices after you've spoken to a few other employers.
• Research on the run
  • If you haven't already researched the organization, review the information the employers have with them today before approaching them.
  • You can use the "hit and run" method - go by the table when someone else is talking to the employer, pick up some literature and approach them after you've reviewed it.
  • Even better, try "working in pairs," - let a friend pick up the information for you allowing you to review it before approaching the employer. 

2. Connecting with Employers

• First impressions count
  • Check a mirror. No gum. Drink some water, grab a mint so that you will pass the "fresh test."
  • Approach employers with a firm handshake. Remember to stand tall, make eye contact and smile.
• Be positive! Be confident!
  • Emphasize your skills and personal qualities. Do not dwell on any qualifications the employer wants that you do not have.
• Be ready for a dialogue
  • Know enough about the organization and career field to ask good questions.
• Be assertive
  • Hand your resume to employers and ask for their business cards.
  • Ask for an interview!
• Collect your thoughts
  • Leave the area periodically. Write notes on the conversations you've had so far, decide who you'll approach next.
• Just gathering information?
• Ask employers for additional sources of information such as people, web sites, books and professional associations. 

3. Need Help?

• Come to the career center.
• At the fair, look for a career development staff member at the career center.