The Job Fair is designed with the idea that it can be helpful to students looking for full-time jobs, summer/part-time jobs, and internships.

Before the Job Fair   

• Research the organizations that might be of interest to you.
• Read literature about the organization in the Career Services Resource Room.
• Be prepared to ask questions of the representatives. Practice out loud; it helps.
• Know Yourself:
• Try to identify specific experiences where you have demonstrated your strengths.
• Backing up all your skills with specific examples will make you a stronger candidate.
• Know why you want to work for their organization. If you don't know, they won't either.

During the Job Fair    

• Make a good first impression:
• Make eye contact immediately when introducing yourself.
• Give a firm handshake to get you off to a good start.
• Remember the representative's name; if not, casually refer to their name tag.
• Smile and be polite - enthusiasm is an important quality.
• Dress nicely; a suit is not required, but ratty jeans will not make the right impression.
• Body Language often can speak louder than the spoken word:
• Do not fidget, play with your hair.
• Do not rock from side to side.
• Do not look around when talking or being spoken to.
• Do not chew gum.
• Communication is critical!
• Listen carefully to what the representative has to say!
• Avoid using filler words such as "um", "like", "you know."
• Show confidence in your voice . Hewitt Union may be noisy and if they can't hear you, they won't remember you.
• Offer a resume if you have a professional looking one. If you don't, offer to send it.
• Ask for a business card or write down the representative's name. It is also okay to ask what the hiring procedure is. You want to make sure you're doing it right.
• Explore all your options!
• Speak with organizations that you had not considered before.
• Take the initiative and engage in meaningful conversations with representatives.
• Representatives are here to provide information about their organizations and career fields.
• Representatives are excellent resources in your career search and decision-making process.

After the Job Fair    

• Mailing a thank you letter is not only appropriate, it can also bring attention to your name. Career Services has the business cards of all representatives if you need contact information.
• You can send an initial or additional resume in your thank-you letter; again, point out your strengths.
• You can also call to make sure that your application is complete.
• When calling, be prepared and know/practice what you are going to say beforehand.

Questions for Representatives at the Job Fair    

First and foremost, questions should be natural. Be yourself. Don't rifle your questions; maintain a natural flow. Before beginning with your questions be sure to introduce yourself and establish rapport with the representatives. Listen carefully to their answers. Be courteous. Before leaving, be sure to close the conversation and thank them.

1. How many employees does your company have?

2. What goals does your company have for the next ten years?

3. What kind of entry level positions exist within your organization?

4. How many employees are in my area of interest (which is..)?

5. Does your company hire on a continual basis or just a certain times of the year?

6. How long does the hiring process take?

7. What does your organization consider the 5 most important qualities in an employee?

8. Are graduate degrees important? If so, in what areas?

9. What courses do you suggest in order to be a successful candidate?

10. Is there a G.P.A. cut-off in the recruiting process?

11. What personality traits are important for success in your company?

12. As an entry-level employee, what can I expect to be doing 2, 5, 10 years from now?

13. What made you choose this company?

14. How long have you been with the company?

15 What things has your organization accomplished of which you are especially proud?

16. For how many years does the entry-level employee typically stay with the company?

17. What percent of applicants are eventually hired?

18. What is the retention rate in the company?

19. Do you expect your employees to relocate?

Don't read directly from this list of questions at the Job Fair. If you are well prepared, you can truly be yourself.