At the Career Fair

1. Prioritize/Strategize

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.