Job Fair Etiquette

How to make a Job Fair work for you….

Employer Expectations (Biggest things to avoid during a Job Fair)

Lack of focus and not knowing what type of job you’re looking for

Not dressing professionally Not bringing resumes Lacking knowledge of the

company Lacking interest in the

company and/or position Asking about salary Not asking any questions of

the HR reps

Only grabbing free stuff Not making eye contact Lacking communication

skills Not willing to relocate Not bringing anything to

write on Giving a weak handshake Not taking the time to fill out

the application while you’re there

Top 3 Things Employers Typically Discuss at Job Fairs

1. Company benefits2. Information on

current job openings

3. General information about the company

How to Prepare for a Job Fair Create a list of employer’s you’d like to

meet with at the job fair. Know why you want to work for the

company (if you don’t know they won’t either)

Prepare a “one-minute commercial” as a way to sell yourself to an employer.– Preparation, Enthusiasm and Energy will

get you noticed!

What should be included in your “one-minute 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

Things to keep handy…

Plenty of fresh resumes

Pens or pencils Folder or portfolio Paper for taking

notes

How should you dress? Clean ironed clothes Casual to business casual 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)

Job Fair Etiquette

If you have a real interest in an employer, find out the procedures to secure an interview

Don’t interrupt the HR reps or fellow job seekers

Sincerity always wins!

Don’t just drop your resume on employers’ display tables

Keep your eyes and ears open (you never know where an opportunity will arise)

In order to maximize your job

fair experience, you must be an

active participant and not just a

browser.

During the job fair… Make eye contact

immediately when introducing yourself

Start every conversation with your best etiquette (a firm handshake, eye contact, a smile and your “one-minute commercial”

Listen carefully to what the HR reps have to say

Show confidence in your voice

Your resume should be easily accessible

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

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

After the job fair…

Following up with HR reps after the fair is something that is often overlooked, and yet is seen as polite and courteous to most employers.– Letters should be sent no more than 24

hours after the fair. Write a thank you to each

HR rep that you spoke to

What to include in a Thank You Confirm your interest and enthusiasm for the

company Highlight your skills and abilities that you feel

would most benefit the company Inquire about the next step in the selection

process Include your contact information Follow up within a few weeks by calling or

emailing to see if you can meet with them again

What are you there for?

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.

Questions you ask depend upon your goals…

Sample questions… 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?

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!