The document provides tips for attending a job fair, including how to prepare, what to expect, and follow up steps. It recommends preparing your resume and rehearsing answers to common questions beforehand. At the fair, temper expectations as you may only have brief time with recruiters, but express interest in opportunities and acquire applications and business cards. Follow up after by sending thank you letters and resumes to continue connections made at the fair. The overall goal is to make new contacts that could potentially lead to a job offer.

1. Presented by Bob Nealon, Career Coach
North Campus Career Center
How to Work a Job Fair

2. Should I go to a job fair?

3. Yes, but temper your
expectations

4. Employers may not always show up
or don’t have jobs or ask you to apply
online

5. You can still make a connection with a
prospective employer that leads to a job

6. How many jobs do you need?

7. You need 1 job…that’s all!

8. Job Fair Tips
Before the Job Fair:
• Prepare in advance: Review the list of organizations that are scheduled to attend so you can
plan your time effectively
• Review your resume: Is it recent and relevant to your targeted job? Does it clearly show the
reader what you really want to do and are good at?
• Rehearse your answers to typical questions: Recruiters will ask you: “Tell me about yourself” or
“What kind of job are you looking for? Be positive and answer the question directly and
succinctly (within 15 – 30 seconds).
• Dress for success: Dress professionally. People judge us based on how we look, our attire and
more. Don’t leave this to chance and dress appropriately to leave the right type of first
impression.
• Prepare your portfolio: Bring two (2) large (10” x 15”) manila envelopes. One for your resumes
and one for information you acquire from prospective employers.
• Set Goals: Determine how many new contacts you want to make at a networking event, and
don’t leave the event until you achieve your goal.

9. Job Fair Tips
During the Job Fair:
• Temper expectations: You’ll be lucky to get a short bit of uninterrupted time with recruiters so
smile, shake their hand firmly, introduce yourself with good eye contact and confidence.
• Express genuine interest: Show your excitement about the employer’s opportunities. Find out
about their hiring process and suggested follow up. Acquire an application (if relevant) and fill out
(ideally while at the job fair).
• Acquire company information: Take business cards, marketing information, and anything else
that an employer might have so you can learn more about them and their openings.
• Thank the employer: Thank the recruiter for their time and consideration. Be courteous and
never compromise your professionalism and likeability.
• Project a winning attitude: Bring great enthusiasm and your positive outlook and smile. These
can definitely help you differentiate yourself from the competition.
• Be Friendly to Others/Work the Crowd: Talk to others in the crowd. You might even encounter
some employers that don’t want to pay to be there, but are taking advantage of the opportunity.

10. Job Fair Tips
After the Job Fair:
• Follow Up with Employers/Recruiters: Follow up promptly with a thank
you letter to the recruiter and indicate your interest and value proposition.
Also, once again attach your resume to the e-mail. Separates you from the
resume pile.

11. Questions?

12. Reminder:
Broward College Resources
• Your North Campus Career Center Staff
• ResumeWriting, Interviewing, Job Search
Strategy, and more
• AssessmentTools including Career Coach and FOCUS 2
• Internship EDGE
• Student job bank @ www.broward.edu/ccn

13. Contact me for an
appointment
My Contact Information:
Bob Nealon
Career Coach Specialist
Broward College – North Campus
Building 46, Room 238 (Career Center)
Phone: (954) 201-2270
E-Mail: RNealon@broward.edu
Connect with me through LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/in/BobNealon

14. Thank you for attending!