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How to Make the Most of a Career Fair
I. PREPARE (Preparation is critical)
 With the help of Career Services, prepare your one-page resume(s). Proofread!
Obtain a list of participating employers from Career Services.
Determine the employers with which you will speak (mark your list).
Research those employers; become familiar with the company and the positions for which they are most likely to be recruiting.
Practice your introduction (name, school, major) and handshake.
Practice your 30-60 second sales pitch (don't memorize it but do rehearse). This should include why you are interested in the company, types of position(s) for which you are a good match and why. Talk about related jobs or internships and related classes or academic projects.
Determine one to three questions that you will ask each company (write these on your master list or on paper that you will have with you at the fair).
Determine what you will wear and take with you.
Women: professional knee-length skirt suit in a conservative color, sheer hose, closed-toe and closed-heel pumps in a dark leather (low heel is fine), minimal jewelry, no perfume, natural looking makeup, conservative and polished hairstyle. Pantsuits with polished dark leather flats are acceptable although most employers still consider the traditional knee-length skirt suit most professional. Bring a purse or a briefcase (no backpacks). If you choose a purse, do bring a folder in which to keep your resumes etc.
Men: professional suit in a conservative dark color, dark shoes and dark socks, an ironed white long-sleeve button-down, a conservative tie, no cologne, no necklaces/bracelets or eaffings, conservative hairstyle, no backpacks.
Bring 25 resumes (or more) on nice resume paper, paper for your notes, a nice pen, list of participating companies.
II. COMMUNICATE
Smile, introduce yourself and offer your hand for a firm, quick handshake. Give the recruiter a couple of seconds for an introduction.
Give the recruiter your 30-60 second sales pitch.
Ask questions about the company and available positions.
Present your resume.
Ask for a business card while thanking the recruiter for his or her time. Reaffirm your interest and ask to whom and when you should follow-up.
III. FOLLOW-UP
Send a typed thank you note to the recruiter with whom you spoke.
Send a cover letter and resume to the suggested follow-up contact. Mention the fair and the recruiter with whom you spoke. Reaffirm your interest.
If your follow-up contact is the person with whom you spoke at the fair, then send one letter expressing both your gratitude and reaffirming your interest in the company and job opportunities. For convenience, enclose another copy of your unfolded resume.
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