How To Maximize Your Career Fair Experience

1. Preparing For Success At The
Lasell College
Spring Career Fair
Spring 2015
Career Fair
Presented by the
Office of Career
Services

2. Goals of This Presentation
• To help Lasell College students and alumni
develop realistic expectations of a Career Fair
• To provide you with information about the
purpose of the Spring Career Fair
• To help Lasell College students and alumni
prepare, perform, and follow through on their
experience & maximize the benefits of this event

3. What is a Career Fair?
Career Fairs are face-to-face meetings between jobseekers and
employers from participating organizations and companies. The
Lasell College Spring Career Fair:
•Provides a forum for student and employer interaction
•Offers the chance to network
•Allows for students and alumni to explore positions,
organizations/companies & opportunities
•Brings a variety of employers to campus who are looking to
network specifically with Lasell College students and alumni

4. Why Do Employers Attend Career Fairs?
• To attract top-notch candidates
• To promote their organization to prospective
candidates
• To provide career information
• To identify potential Lasell College students
and alumni (first impressions!)

5. Reasons Students Attend
• To personally meet and engage with employers
• To find full-time, part-time, and internship
opportunities
• To network and make connections with
employers
• To get ahead everyone else who have not even
begun to think about their future careers or how
they plan to get there!

6. Career Fair Myths Debunked
Myth #1: All I to do is “show up” at the Career
Fair.”
Reality:
•Preparation before the Career Fair is essential.
Follow-up after the event is equally important
•Employers are looking for focused, well-prepared
candidates that have knowledge about their
organizations

7. Career Fair Myths Debunked (cont.)
Myth #2: It’s okay to show up in my jeans and
Lasell College t-shirt or sweatshirt
Reality:
•Students and alumni should dress appropriately -
informal wear is not acceptable
•Know your industry and dress accordingly
•This is a professional introduction between
potential employers/candidates

8. • Like it or not, people size you up in 3-5
seconds
• Your appearance and mannerisms can go a
long way in toward the impression you make
and how recruiters remember you!
First Impressions, Lasting Impact!

9. Career Fair Myths Debunked (cont.)
Myth #3: Career Fairs are just for seniors
Reality:
•Freshmen and sophomore students who attend
Career Fairs report increased confidence in their
ability to interact with employers and communicate
their accomplishments
•Juniors and seniors land interviews for full-time
and part-time jobs, and valuable internship
opportunities

10. Career Fair Myths Debunked (cont.)

11. Preparing for Success at the
Spring Career Fair

12. Have a Game Plan
• Research the organizations that will be attending
the event
• Prepare a “30-60 second “elevator pitch”
• Connect your background to the needs of the
organization
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills that set you apart
• Have multiple (15-20) copies of your resume

13. Research
• Review the list of employers attending the fair via
College Central Network Event information page
(http://bit.ly/1uCmFFe)
• Search for information on the company website. For
more info use LinkedIn and careertv.com to profile
interview tips and strategies for some companies
• Focus on the top five companies you want to target at
the career fair, however, plan to speak to all employers,
if you have the time

14. 30-Second “Elevator Pitch”
• Imagine that you are on an elevator with someone in
a profession, industry, or company that interests you
• Now imagine that you have 30 seconds to share
your background and capture that persons interest
• Opportunities like this will arise at the Career Fair
• The elevator speech is a brief message or
commercial about you

15. 30-Second “Elevator Pitch”
When you approach an employer, it is important that
you make a positive impression. Here are simple
guidelines to think about:
•Introduction (name, year in school, major)
•With experience in (functions/capabilities)
•My strengths and interests include (unique activities/interests)
•I have worked with/for (types of companies/industries/fields)
•I am seeking an opportunity in…

16. The Sixty Second Sell
How To Use Your Profile
Hi, my name is Jill Jobseeker. It’s nice to meet you. I’m a
sophomore here at Lasell majoring in Hospitality and Event
Management. My background includes coursework in (…)
and (…) and I’m familiar with the (…). I am looking for an
(…) internship this summer, I know your company has
recently expanded their product line to include (…) and I am
really interested in this area. I saw your position description
on Lasell College Central Network through Career Services,
and I feel that I would be a strong candidate for your
internship program.

17. Connect Your Background
• What have you read about the
company/organization?
• Do you have unique skills, qualities, or
characteristics that would be a fit for
them?
• What do you have to offer the
organization?

18. Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
• Be professional
• Introduce yourself with a firm handshake
• Speak clearly and concisely
• Answer questions readily
• Have your resume with you and easily
accessible
• Demonstrate confidence
• Maintain good eye contact
• Show enthusiasm and interest

19. Career Fair Ready Resumes
• Make sure it is clear, concise, reader-friendly,
one-page and error-free
• Tailor your resume for the specific companies
that you plan to target during the Career Fair
• Make sure it is effectively highlighting your skills
• Bring multiple copies printed on good quality
paper
• Have your résumé critiqued at the Office of
Career Services

20. Job Fair No-No’s
Source: Journal of Career Planning and Employment, Winter 2000
• Lacking focus - not knowing what type of
position you are seeking.
• Admitting “I’ll take anything” or answering “I don’t
know” when asked about interests.
• Not dressing neatly or professionally
• Not bringing a resume
• Lacking knowledge of the organization or
confusing the organization with a competitor
• Lacking enthusiasm or interest in the
organization or job opportunities
• Asking about salary

21. • Not asking any questions, asking inappropriate
questions, and having a poor or unprofessional
attitude
• Grabbing free stuff
• Not making eye contact
• Lacking communication skills
• Not bringing anything to write with or on
• Giving a weak handshake
• Not taking the time to fill out a job application

22. Lasell College
Office of Career Services
Edwards Student Center
617-243-2124
careerservices@lasell.edu
www.lasell.edu/careers
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