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Preparing for a Career Fair

1. BE PREPARED TO APPROACH EMPLOYERS

In our everyday lives, we do not usually walk up to people we do not know and introduce ourselves. But, Career Fairs and Forums are networking events where this behavior is the norm! Recruiters expect you to take the initiative to introduce yourself. Walking up and introducing yourself may feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice it will soon become comfortable.

REMEMBER EMPLOYERS EXPECT YOU TO WALK UP AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

2. BE CONFIDENT WHEN YOU APPROACH EMPLOYERS

Don’t hesitate in your approach! Be prepared to say hello, introduce yourself and shake the employer’s hand.
Remember to establish eye contact. A firm handshake and eye contact are signs of confidence. Be confident!

3. PREPARE YOUR INTRODUCTION

Begin the conversation with a general statement about yourself. This general statement could include the degree you are pursuing, your major, when you graduate and what type of information you are hoping to obtain from them. For example, I am in the MBA program with a concentration in Marketing and will graduate in 2001. I would like to know more about marketing opportunities with your company."

The key is to have a short opening line or introduction to get the conversation started! The more recruiters you speak to the more skilled you will become at these initial introductions.

A polished introduction creates a positive first impression!

4. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY

To create the impression that you are serious about your future, you should dress in professional business attire. For men and women, the 2-piece matching business suit is strongly recommended.

Even if these events take place on-campus it does not mean that business casual or casual dress will be appropriate.
Professional business attire is the look that will create a positive first impression.

5. BRING AT LEAST 25 RESUMES

Your resume is a part of the initial impression you are making. Your resume should be well-written and professional in appearance. Your resume should be printed on good quality paper – do not bring photocopies. Also, make sure there
are no typographical or grammatical errors.

Bring your resume into Career Services during open critique hours and let our staff help you with your resume!

6. RESEARCH EMPLOYERS

If you want show that you are a candidate with strong initiative and motivation, do your research on companies that interest you before attending Career Fair. Then when you meet the representatives you will have more to discuss and will be able to ask more than the typical generic questions most candidates ask.

The list of companies participating in Career Fair is available on the Career Services website (http://www.fiu.edu/~career/student/fairs/participants.html) before the event.

7. TARGET EMPLOYERS

Make a list of the companies you want to approach. Try out your introduction on companies in which you are interested but who may not be your top choices. Once you feel comfortable and confident, then approach your top choices. Its important to overcome any nervousness before meeting those representatives from companies that are your top choices.

8. ARRIVE EARLY

Career Fairs get very crowded a few hours into the event. This makes it difficult for recruiters to spend a great deal of time talking with any one candidate. So, if you want a more relaxed atmosphere and hope to spend some quality time talking with recruiters, be one of the first to arrive at the event! Without the crowds, they have the chance to focus on you and give you more of their undivided attention!

9. SEND FOLLOW-UP LETTERS

Before you leave an employer, make sure to ask for a business card. That way, you will be sure to have the right spelling, title and accurate contact information for that representative. On the back of their card, write any specific information you discussed.

Within 1-2 weeks of the event, send a thank you letter. Most candidates do not take the time to do this. By sending a thank you letter, you have an opportunity to distinguish yourself , showcase strong follow-through skills and create a positive lasting impression.

In your letter make sure to indicate that you met the representative at Career Fair at Florida International University and that you appreciated having the opportunity to meet them. To tailor the letter effectively, include any specific information you may have noted on the back of their business card.

Your thank you letter should be a formal, typed business letter printed on high quality stationary.

10. PURCHASE GOLDEN PANTHER SERVICES

Purchase Golden Panther Services ($20 fee for current students) prior to Career Fair. Though the career fair is FREE for all FIU students, one of the benefits of Golden Panther Services is that you can participate in on-campus interviews. Many of the employers attending Career Fair will also conduct on-campus interviews the day after or in the week following the event. So, if you would like to interview on-campus with these employers then you need to purchase Golden Panther Services. Once you have purchased Golden Panther Services, you will have access to our online interviewing system, PantherLink. In PantherLink, you can view the positions and submit your resume online. However, you do not have to purchase Golden Panther Services or register for Basic Services to attend Career Fair. Career Fair is open to all FIU students and alumni.

Please remember to update your resume at least once every six months!!