This document provides tips for attending a career fair, including how to prepare, what to do at the fair, and important follow-up steps. It recommends researching companies attending, rehearsing an introduction, bringing resumes and dressing professionally. At the fair, plan which companies to visit and introduce yourself with eye contact and a firm handshake. Ask questions to learn about opportunities and follow up with thank you letters within 24 hours. Proper preparation and follow-up are essential for making the most of interacting with employers at a career fair.

1. 2011 OLAPC First Avenue Career & Grad School Fair How to Work a Career Fair

2. 5 things you should know: Resumes get looked at between 5 – 30 seconds The average job search takes 6 – 9 months 80% of jobs are never advertised You may have a job that doesn’t exist today You could have 7+ careers in your lifetime

3. Why Go To A Career Fair? You get to meet company representatives in person You get to make a first impression in person It is an excellent opportunity to practice both networking and interviewing skills

4. This Presentation Will Cover How to prepare for a career fair What to do when you get there What not to do when you’re there What to do after you leave

5. Before The Fair Plan Identify 5 – 10 companies you want to speak with Research The companies you are interested in and others attending Rehearse Your introduction by yourself, to your friends, and to strangers if possible

6. Nuts And Bolts Get a list of employers from event organizers Research employers using: Their websites: About Us, History, Mission Portland Business Journal Google Begin to develop your intro speech – know who you are and what you’re looking for

7. What Do You Bring? A simple portfolio Plenty of resumes No backpacks

8. What Comes To Mind?

9. Dress To Impress Employers evaluate you on appearance; show that you are a professional Appropriate professional attire Match your dress to event If you don’t have a suit – get one but... Nice pants and a dress shirt or blouse with dress shoes will work at a minimum ◄ Don’t be these guys Don’t approach employers as a group Don’t wear jeans/t-shirts

10. Introductions Are Important Get good at: Making eye contact Smiling Offering a firm handshake Saying your name Introductions are critical and now it’s your turn to practice...

11. When You Arrive At The Fair Register and check the list of employers present for changes Take a moment to settle in and review your plan Begin with a positive attitude – expect lines and hassles Always be kind and considerate, since anyone you meet might be a recruiter you'll see later that day

12. During The Fair Begin to work your plan Warm up with employers you weren’t planning on talking with When you’re ready, take a deep breath and approach your top choices Talk with the employers about your interests and ask questions

13. Questions To Ask Employers What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful in the role I’m interested in? Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here? What things has your company accomplished of which you are especially proud? What is your hiring time line for this internship/job?

14. Questions To Never Ask Employers What does your company do? What can your company do for me? How many hours a day do you work? Any question about salary, vacation time, or benefits Any personal question Want to get coffee sometime?

15. Before Leaving An Employer Get the recruiter's business card at the close of your meeting Ask how and when you should follow up Get more company information Thank recruiter for his/her time

16. Before Moving On Make notes about the recruiter, employer, organization, and job These notes will be important later when you write your follow-up letters after the job fair Reflect on how the interaction went, what you learned, what you wish you would have said Mentally rehearse it for the next interaction and move to the next employer on your list

17. After The Fair: Follow Up! Organize all the material you received WRITE THANK YOU LETTERS!!!!– Recruiters are expecting them! Send within 24 Hours Your letter should again demonstrate how you would be a "good fit" After talking with them, you know what they're looking for If you talked to more than one person at one booth, send each recruiter you talked to a separate thank you Can you send thank you e-mails? E-mails are best used if the hiring time line is quick and you need immediate response It is recommended that you send hard copy follow-up as well Make follow-up phone calls if recommended by recruiter

18. Questions?