Have a specific strategy for maximizing your time at the event
Pre-register for the event
Attempt to get the list of attending companies before the career fair
Attempt to research each company you hope to interview with at the job fair.
Prepare a one-minute “commercial” that focuses on the unique benefits you can offer the employer
Be prepared for a few common interview questions
Be prepared to talk about your work experiences, skills, and abilities
For college students, be prepared for a question about your GPA by some recruiters (use the GPA—overall, college, major—that makes you look the strongest)
Have a few questions prepared for each recruiter
Say the recruiter’s name several times during your conversation
Get a business card from each recruiter
Remember all the keys to successful interviewing, including a firm handshake, a warm smile, eye contact, and a strong voice
Bring enough copies of your resume to the career fair
Bring different versions of your resume if you are searching for different types of jobs
Take advantage of the time you have to build rapport with each recruiter
Dress professionally
Ask about the hiring process of each company
Take the initiative and ask about the next step in the process
Follow-up with each recruiter. Some experts say to call and leave a message on their voicemail right after the job fair, but at a minimum you should send each recruiter a thank you letter
DO NOT:
Eliminate companies because they are recruiting for positions outside your field; take the time to network with the recruiter and get the name of a hiring manager for your particular career field
Just drop your resume on the recruiter’s table and walk off
Be afraid or intimidated by the recruiter; he or she is there to do a job—to meet and screen potential candidates
Ask questions that any good job-seeker should already know, such as “What does your company do?”
Forget to eliminate bad habits such as playing with your hair, chewing gum, fidgeting, rocking from side-to-side, acting distracted, rubbing your nose, etc
Use filler words such as “um”, “like”, “you know”
Ever just walk up to a booth and interrupt a current conversation; wait your turn and be polite
Waste the opportunity to network, not only with the recruiters, but with fellow job-seekers and other professionals in attendance at the career fair
Say anything negative to the recruiter about your college or previous jobs, companies, or supervisors
Ask too many questions about salaries, vacation time, and other benefits
