Preparing for the Fair

How can I prepare for the fair?

• Dress professionally and bring resumes. Wear professional clothing appropriate for  career interest. Resumes should be given to employers whose background and needs match a student’s job objective.

• Do not circle the room and wait for an employer to reach out to you. Make a good impression by being assertive and approaching employer reps.

• When greeting an employer rep, do so with a show of interest and enthusiasm for the organization he/she represents. Show these qualities by making good eye contact and having a firm handshake while smiling!

• Greet an employer by extending your hand and saying, for example: "Hello. I am _______________ (your name). I’m a ______________ (senior, junior, sophomore, freshman) here at Oglethorpe and I am interested in ________________ opportunities at your organization."

• If you do not know whether or not an employer has specific opportunities of interest to you, an approach might be: "Hello. I am ____________(name). I’m a _________ (state your class) at Oglethorpe and I am seeking a position (or an internship or a part-time job) where I can apply my ________(academic) background and skills. Does your organization offer such opportunities? Who is the contact at your company or how do I apply for such a position?" This career fair is a time to network and "go fishing" in a safe environment for an unadvertised position. GO FISHING!

• For underclassmen, this a great time to research and to gather information for the near future when you will seek an internship, part-time job or a career-related position. Pick up material, hand-outs, and business cards for future networking. Get back to these contacts when the timing is right!

What not to do at a career fair:

1. Lack focus and appear unsure what opportunities interest you. 
2. Dress unprofessionally.
3. Forget copies of your resume.
4. Lack knowledge about a company or confuse a company for its competitor.
5. Ask about salary.
6. Ask inappropriate questions - or none at all.
7. Grab the free stuff.
8. Convey a lack of confidence by not making eye contact or giving a weak handshake.

Create an "elevator speech"

Imagine you meet someone in an elevator. You have only a short amount of time to tell this person a few important things about yourself that you want to be remembered. That’s the theory behind this introduction. Practice an introduction that conveys, in less than two minutes, who you are and what you want.

This is a great introduction to use when meeting employer reps at the career fair. It gives them just enough information about you to spark their interest. It also gives them a starting point from which to ask additional questions about you and your interests.

Possible questions to ask employers

1. What type of positions does your organization offer for students with my major?
2. What are some typical assignments or projects for people in those positions?
3. What skills or previous experience do you look for in new hires?
4. How do I apply for employment with your company?
5. What training programs are available for recent college graduates?
6. What type of experience would I get with your organization?
7. Could you describe a typical day at work?
8. What do you like most about working for this organization?
9. Tell me more about the corporate culture (Formal work environment? Plenty of flex time or vacation time? High stress levels? Etc.)
10. What is the most important thing a candidate should know about your organization?