1. Career Fair “Basics”
The following slides provide basic information for the job seeker attending
Career Fairs. These tips are from the prospective of a corporate recruiter
and are intended to assist with preparing and presenting yourself
professionally.
The competition is everywhere, if you don’t rise above it you’ll just blend
in. Practice, research and then review these slides to improve your
chances of moving forward.
Author: Rob Wallace, PHR - CDR

2. Career Fair “Basics”
Before the Career Fair
Prepare for Combat - Prepare an outfit, your materials (folder to hold
resumes, note pad/paper, pen) and a plan
Proof your Resume - Have at least two other people proofread it for
grammar and spelling errors. This is a must! Only supply additional
paperwork if asked.
Research the Companies - Website, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Google news
reports/press releases; what current openings are a fit for you?
Prepare a few Questions to ask the Representatives - These questions
should show off your research. One or two questions about a current job
that is open and why you are qualified is a great start.
Author: Rob Wallace, PHR - CDR

3. Career Fair “Basics”
Practice the Following before the Career Fair - BE Prepared!
Tell me about Yourself - 30 seconds max to sell yourself! See below
Elevator Pitch - Create a short introduction (30 seconds) that summarizes who
you are, your experience and skills to sell yourself. Give a firm handshake and
maintain eye contact, offer your resume after closing. Need an example? You
Tube “Interview Elevator Speech”
1st Point of Contact “Basics”
Smile
Introduce Yourself
Firm Handshake
Elevator Pitch/Sell/Resume
Listen and Answer Questions
Close by Thanking
Ask for Business Card or Contact information, then F/U after
Author: Rob Wallace, PHR - CDR

4. Career Fair “Basics”
At the Career Fair
Resumes - Bring plenty of copies and have them readily available. Don’t
fumble for your resume, it should be easy to access. Seek out the companies
and representatives you plan to approach.
Mini Interview - Be prepared for a “short” interview on-the-spot!
Remember to be patient at the event, Fairs can be busy places. A typical
recruiter will talk with a high volume of candidates in only a few hours. Pick
up the company brochure while you wait to absorb last minute information.
1st Impression - Be friendly, honest, confident, enthusiastic and smile! Don't
be discouraged by the number of other candidates at the event, and don't
assume you made such a great impression that you’ll get a call.
Notes - You'll need to follow-up. Take notes of who you spoke with and
request their business card. Ask the best way to follow-up, different
recruiters prefer different methods (e-mails, calls, letters or sometimes
nothing at all.)
Author: Rob Wallace, PHR - CDR

5. Career Fair “Basics”
Immediately after the Career Fair
Organize - Categorize business cards and brochures you've gathered and
make additional notes.
Apply on-line? - Did the recruiter suggest this, if so and you are interested in
the company, apply on-line as soon as possible.
Follow-up with a Personalized Note - For those employers you are definitely
interested in, thank the recruiter/manager for their time. Also, let them
know that you hope to hear something positive soon. Doing this via e-mail is
fine.
Author: Rob Wallace, PHR - CDR

6. Career Fair “Basics”
From a Recruiters Perspective
Be brief and Get to the Point - If you can professionally present yourself and
make a good impression in 30 seconds, your resume will most likely go into the
keep/review pile.
Job Fairs are Competitive - Look around, your competition is everywhere. Are
you the sharper, more prepared, more qualified candidate? How does your
“Elevator Pitch” sound?
Really? - Carry and use breath mints, yes. Don’t pick up and carry with you every
giveaway the companies are offering. You’re at this event for business reasons,
you need job. Believe it or not, even though recruiters attend multiple job fairs
throughout the year, they remember people and the quirky unusual things they
do. Leave a good impression!
Be Honest - We don’t want to hire a dishonest person. Don’t try to hide
information such as a lower QPA/GPA if asked. Be prepared to answer all types of
questions honestly.
Author: Rob Wallace , PHR - CDR

7. Career Fair “Basics”
Career Fair Commonsense
1. Tell the recruiter briefly about yourself and why you are interested in
company X. Do not ask a recruiter what positions they are hiring for, or
ask them to tell you about their company. You should know this already!
2. Dress professionally!
3. Come prepared to present yourself.
4. Check your coat, umbrella, purse, book bag, hat, gloves, scarf or
whatever. All you need is a portfolio or folder to hold your resumes/pen
and company materials collected. As you collect basic items, check
those also. Do not carry a bag of paperwork around.
5. Visit company tables alone, not with your friends.
6. Appreciate the recruiter’s time if there is a long line of candidates at
their table, do not monopolize.
7. Career Fairs should be just one more tool to use in your Job Search Tool
Box!
Author: Rob Wallace , PHR - CDR

8. Want to learn more?
• Would you like to obtain a personal career consultation?
• Personal resume need updated?
• Need to improve your interviewing skills?
• Is your company downsizing and in need of outplacement
career services for RIF staff?
If so, please contact me via LinkedIn to secure consultative
services to fit your personal or business needs.