Tips for Being Successful at the Job Fair

While personal referrals are still one of the most effective ways to get your foot in the door, a strong impression at a career fair can also be incredibly helpful. Every spring and fall, the Career Development office at Kingsborough hosts a Job & Internship Fair.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their skills with a face to face meeting with over 30 employers in one room.

One may ask, what should I expect at a Job Fair? I will share with you some tips on how you can prepare before, during and after the job fair.

 Before the Fair

1. Be Prepared. – Get a list of the employers from the Career Development Office & Experiential Learning located in C102. Be sure to research the company of your interest. This will help to tailor your introduction and conversation.
2. Update Resume- Make sure that your resume is polished, and print more than enough copies to distribute.
3. Dress for success. Something about when you put on a suit that makes you feel confident, I know it does for me! So you’re not a suit person, a simple solid color button down shirt (men) or blouse (ladies) with slacks can definitely make a good impression.

During the Job Fair

1. Get acclimated- When you enter the room get a lay of the land. Locate the booths of the employers you are interested in.
2. Start strategically. Inevitably, the first conversation you have may feel slightly awkward. Save the companies you are most interested in until after you have practiced once or twice and wrangled your nerves.
3. Greet each potential employer with a firm handshake and smile.
4. Make eye contact and introduce yourself. Take 30 seconds or less to explain why you approached their table (this is a great time to showcase some of your research on the company’s available positions, mission, latest developments, etc.).
5. Be polite!
6. Get a business card from each recruiter. Save and use it for follow up purposes.
7. Thank each recruiter for their time.

after the job fair

1. Follow up with a Thank You letter.
2. Send a letter to each employer you spoke with.
3. Send Thank You letters within 3 days after the event.
4. It is okay to enclose a resume with your thank you letter. This may draw attention to your name once again.

~Loraine DeCoteau

Join us at the Spring Job Fair on March 27th from 12pm to 3pm.  Visit C-102 for more information and to have your resume reviewed!