The document provides tips and guidance for effectively preparing for and participating in a job fair. It emphasizes the importance of researching companies attending, having a 30-second introduction prepared that highlights relevant skills and interests, dressing professionally, bringing multiple resume copies and a notepad, actively engaging with employers through questions, obtaining contact information, and following up with a thank you note. The goal is to stand out from other job seekers and learn how to secure potential interviews or opportunities. Key aspects employers expect include knowledge of the job/company and demonstrating communication skills, preparation, and enthusiasm.

1. Job Fair Preparation
How to make a Job Fair
work for you….

2. What’s your goal?
 Are you interested
in finding out
about a particular
career field? Then
ask generalized
questions about
working in the
industry.
 Are you seeking
career opportunities
with a specific
employer? Then
focus your questions
on the application
and interview
process, and ask for
specific information
about the employer.

3. Employers Expect you to:
 Know what type of job
you are looking for
 Dress professionally
 Bring copies of your
resume
 Know the company, that
you’ve done your
“homework”
 Be interested in their
company/opportunities
 Ask questions
 Not just grab the free
stuff
 Shake hands and make
eye contact
 Communicate well
 Bring something to take
notes on
 Treat the conversation
like a job interview
 Apply online ahead of
time when possible
http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid
=473&partid=0&vidnum=-1&vidtitle=-1&

4. Top 3 Things Employers
Typically Discuss at Job Fairs
1. Company benefits
2. Information on
current job
openings
3. General
information about
the company

5. How to Prepare for a Job Fair
 Create a list of employers you’d like to meet
with at the job fair.
 Do your homework. Research the company.
 Know why you want to work for the company
(if you don’t know they won’t either)
 Prepare a “30 Second Commercial” as a way
to sell yourself to an employer.
– Preparation, Enthusiasm and Energy will get you
noticed!

6. What should be included in your
“30 Second Commercial?”
 This is a great way to introduce yourself
– Your name
– Your career status (job searching/finishing training)
 The goal is to connect your background to the
company’s need
– What type of position you are seeking
– What field you would like to be employed in
– Why you chose their company
http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid=473&partid=0&vidnum=-1&vidtitle=-1&

7. 30 Second Commercial - Example
Hello, my name is SUSAN FISCHER.
I am looking for a full-time job as a PROGRAM MANAGER IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELD.
I have OVER 10 YEARS experience WORKING IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND
MENTALHEALTH.
I am PASSIONATE ABOUT WORKING WITH OFFENDERS, and am STRONG WITH BOTH
PEOPLE AND PROCESSES.
I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CASE MANAGEMENT, AND MY
ABILITY TO QUICKLY DEVELOP RAPPORT DUE TO THE GENUINE INTEREST I TAKE
IN PEOPLE. MY CLIENTS HAVE EXCEEDED THE EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS.
ADDITIONALLY, I EXCEL IN LEADERHIP, CAN IDENTIFY AND SOLVE PROBLEMS, THINK
OUTSIDE THE BOX, AND MEET AND EXCEED EXPECTIONS AND GOALS.
How could this be an asset to XYZ Company?

8. Things to keep handy…
 Plenty of fresh
resumes
 Pens or pencils
 Folder or portfolio
 Paper for taking
notes
 Your planner to set
up a follow up
appointment
Be organized!

9. How should you dress?
 Clean, ironed clothes
 Business casual to dressy
 Shirt tucked in
 Conservative colors (keep attention on you, not your
clothes)
 Be sure hair and nails are well groomed
 Keep jewelry simple (if it makes noise, take it off)
 Take a look at your shoes: should be clean and
polished
 Perfume and cologne should be light or avoided

10. In order to
maximize your
job fair
experience, you
must be an
active
participant and
not just a
browser.

11. During the job fair…
 Make eye contact
immediately when introducing
yourself
 Listen carefully to what the
HR reps have to say. Don’t
interrupt
 Show confidence in your
voice
 Your resume should be easily
accessible
 Don’t just “drop and run”.
 Keep you eyes and ears
open, you never know when
an opportunity will arise
 Don’t chew gum or smoke
 Obtain a floor plan before
entering the room
 Network alone, not in groups
 Respect the privacy of
others who are networking
 Ask questions about the
company to maximize your
time
 Take a few minutes to jot
down notes about the HR
rep and companies to help
you remember later

12. During the job fair (cont)…
 Obtain a business card
from each HR rep that
you speak to
– This information can be
very useful for follow-up
 Before leaving the fair,
revisit your top few
companies to make a
lasting impression
 If you have a real
interest in an employer,
find out the procedures
to secure an interview

13. What to ask employers
 What type of entry level positions exist within your
company?
 What qualities are you looking for in a prospective
employee?
 What do you feel are the future trends in this
industry?
 Where do you see this company in 5 years? 10
years?
 Do you have plans for expansion?
 How would you describe the working environment
within the company?

14. What not to ask employers
 What can you do for me?
 How much do you pay?
 What does your company do?
 Do not ask questions that are clearly
answered on the employer's web site
and/or in any literature provided by the
employer to you in advance.

15. After the job fair…
 Show courtesy and follow up right away!
(within 24 hours)
 Write a thank you (handwritten or email)
to each HR Representative with whom
you spoke.

16. What to Include in a Thank You
 Confirm your interest and enthusiasm for the
company
 Highlight your skills and abilities that meet the
company’s needs
 Inquire about the next step in the selection
process
 Include your contact information
 Follow up in 1-2 weeks by calling or emailing
to see if you can meet with them again

17. Final thoughts…
 It is your
responsibility to
approach employers
and initiate a
conversation.
 You will get out of a
job fair exactly what
you put into it.
 Be assertive and
positive!

18. Autumn Recruitment Fair
Friday, October 29th, 2010
Waukesha County Technical College
(Service Building, Gymnasium)
12:00-3:00 p.m.
http://www.wfdc.org/job/jobfairs.htm