Career Fair Tips and Expectations

The John P. Fahey Career Center is excited to have you join a career fair. Keep in mind the following tips as well as an idea of what to expect throughout the fair, in order to have the best experience possible.

• Wear a nametag, placing it on your upper right chest/shoulder area for better visibility
• Introduce yourself to each student in a positive and professional manner - initiate the conversation
• Smile, project enthusiasm, and offer a firm handshake to create a winning first impression of your organization
• Stand in front or at the side of your booth - do not sit down or stand behind the booth when speaking to students
• Don't display negative body language (slouching, chewing gum, fidgeting, not making eye contact or looking around when being spoken to, etc.)
• Highlight your organization's positions or programs typically available - don't say "we are not hiring"
• If the student is not currently qualified for your opportunities, remember they may be a qualified applicant in the future and could potentially become a customer of your organization - treat all applicants equally
• If not accepting resumes, politely explain your application process, but look at their resume and ask them some questions about their major or program, work experiences, or activities - encourage them to apply
• Hand out business cards, brochures, and make any notes you need to keep track of students you talked to
• Don't hand out the free give-away items unless you actually speak to the student about your opportunities
• Before leaving the booth, be sure to thank the student for stopping by
• Don't leave the Career Fair early - some students have classes and attend when they can

In a recent National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey of students attending Career Fairs, #1 key differentiator about whether a student applied with an organization or not was because of the positive (or negative) impression left by the representative(s) recruiting at the Career Fair.