Career Fitness Fair Success

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Students sometimes shudder at the words "career fair," but if you follow the guidelines below, you can have a successful experience—one that lands you a more formal interview for an internship or maybe even a job!

PREPARATION: THE KEY TO SUCCESS
	Obtain a list of employers and plan your strategy for which companies you would like to visit. Research those, and prepare several questions to ask each recruiter. Be sure to explore opportunities for cooperative education experiences for undergrads.
	Look beyond the obvious! While hospitals hire nurses, they also need many other professionals in accounting, human resources, information systems, and marketing, to name a few.
	Perfect your resume to leave with each recruiter. Career Services can give you lots of assistance in fine-tuning this important document.
	Learn to sell yourself - and fast! You’ll have only a few minutes to introduce yourself, to show that you know what the company is about, and to spark the recruiter’s interest in you for a future, more formal interview. Use good eye contact and a firm handshake.
PROFESSIONALISM: A MUST AT THE CAREER FAIR
	Conservative, conservative, conservative: Now is not the time to ‘stand out’ with unusual clothing or resume. You’ll be remembered—but for the wrong reasons. Wear your interview suit!
	Polite, polite, polite: The person you meet in the parking lot, elevator, hallway, or restroom may be the recruiter you’ll meet later in the day.
	Confidence is the key! Recruiters see candidates as possible future representatives of their organization. Display confidence, enthusiasm, and the ability to think and speak on your feet—and under pressure.
	Collect business cards from each recruiter and discuss how and when you should follow up with her/him. Follow-up letters offer another opportunity to outline what you know about the company, your qualifications, and why you’re a ‘good fit.’
PATIENCE: THE BEST VIRTUE
	Lines will be long so wear comfortable shoes. Respect other candidates’ privacy when approaching employers.
	You won’t receive a job offer at the fair! If you do, you’re truly one in a million. Most recruiters are not authorized to hire on the spot, but this does NOT mean they are not hiring. Remember: You’re trying to land an interview.
	Statistics from job fairs reveal that 49% of candidates receive interviews, and 65% of those eventually get job offers. This process can take 3-4 months or longer, so be persistent.

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