Whether in your first year or your final year, make time to visit your institution’s career fair! The career/job fair is an important component of the on-campus recruitment process. Employers at a career fair may also be recruiting for co-op or internship positions.
Get Ready
- Speak with an advisor at your career centre (or at least visit the centre’s website) to find out what employers will be attending the career fair and what types of positions they will be promoting. If your career fair takes place over several days, there may be different companies on each day.
- Research the organizations attending the fair. Select those that interest you, visit their websites and learn what you can.
- Develop a list of intelligent questions that demonstrate your knowledge of each organization. Corporate representatives will remember you if you come prepared.
- Plan your introduction speech to potential employers. Make sure it covers the basics: who are you, what are you looking for, and what are your key qualifications?
- Make sure your résumé is an accurate reflection of you as a soon-to-be new graduate. Your résumé should highlight your qualifications for the types of positions you want.
On The Day
- Dress to make the best impression. This doesn’t mean you must wear a suit; it does mean your clothes must be clean and pressed, your shoes shined (no sandals), your appearance neat—in short, look professional.
- Be prepared to introduce yourself and have your questions ready. You may or may not be asked for a résumé; ensure you have copies on hand. Some students prefer to distribute business cards with their contact information and a few key skills or qualifications.
- Ask representatives for their business card, which you may or may not receive. Business cards are like gold in your search for a first professional position.
After The Career Fair
- Make notes about what you have learned from corporate representatives. You can use this information in writing a résumé for an advertised position, or in preparing for an interview.
- Decide whether or not a company and position meet your interests and requirements.
Just because a position is available, doesn’t mean that it is the right one for you.
by Anne Markey
