This document provides tips for effectively working a job fair, from preparation through follow up. It advises researching employers attending to identify top targets and tailor your resume. At the fair, dress professionally and have an introduction highlighting relevant skills and experience. Meet with priority employers, offer your resume, and ask questions to learn about opportunities. Follow up with thank you notes and applications to stay on recruiters' radars. The goal is to make meaningful connections and learn about potential jobs and companies.

1. How to Work a Job Fair
…and make it work for you!

2. Outline
1. Why attend a job fair?
2. Why do employers attend?
3. What to expect
4. How to prepare
5. Plan of attach
6. Follow-up

3. Why Attend a Job Fair??
Learn about specific employers & their
application processes
Explore career options & research areas of
interest
Establish contact with employers-Network
Practice your interviewing skills
Apply for jobs & internships
Get free stuff!!

4. Why Do Employers Attend?
97% provide job openings &
company information to solicit
applicants & maintain visibility
84% discuss company benefits
Scout for talent, skill & “fit” for their
companies

5. What to Expect
Vary in size and number of employers
Employers stand/sit at tables often with
displays or booths
Can have a wide range of companies, start-
ups, enterprises, staffing agencies, training
providers, and career counselors
Some employers might interview on the
spot, but most will refer to online application

6. Well-known employers will have lines
Very noisy, crowded and warm
What to Expect

7. BEFORE THE EVENT
How to Work a Job Fair

8. Decide What You Want
Have reasonable expectations
Decide what you want to get out of the fair
– Learn about specific employers?
– Explore career options
– Make one-on-one contact with key connections
– Research demand for your skills
– Practice interview skills in informal setting

9. Preparation and Research
Why is this important?
Being informed makes you more confident
If you know about employers at the fair, you can
clearly articulate how you are a good fit

10. Researching employers:
Type of organization, business or agency
Mission statement & core values
Reputation
Recent news and articles
New programs, plans, challenges, etc.
Preparation and Research

11. Where Can I Get Info?
Company websites
LinkedIn Company Page
Facebook/Twitter pages
Puget Sound Business Journal / WSJ
Dun & Bradstreet

12. Before You Go
 Organize your materials
a. Bring at least 25 resumes
b. Have TARGETED resumes
c. Do you have business cards?
d. Have a notebook to keep
resumes, business cards and
employer information
e. Have a list of questions for
employers and take notes!

13. Before You Go
 Prepare Yourself!
a. Have a personal summary ready
b. Prepare to interview (just in case!)
c. Obtain most current employer list and find relevant
job openings– target your preparations to those
openings
d. Know what you’ll wear
e. Review online applications in advance, note any
questions on process you may have to ask
recruiters

14. DURING THE EVENT
How to Work a Job Fair

15. What to Wear?
Dress professionally
– Business suits make the best impression
– Business Casual is acceptable
Wear comfortable shoes!
Because of crowds, leave backpacks home
Be prepared for weather– you may have to
park a ways away

16. Have a Strategy
Research ahead of time if you can
Have 4-5 employers targeted to speak to
Obtain an event map (if available)
Prepare for lines– most popular employers will
likely have long lines
Be alert to other conversations– you’ll learn
something!

17. Meeting Recruiters
Typical time spent with recruiter is 1-3 minutes
Give a brief (30-60 seconds) personal introduction
Explain how your background & strengths match
their needs
Offer your resume
Be sincere
Be professional!

18. Your Personal Introduction
Name, background, 2-3 skills or strengths
that match the company’s needs
Show passion for what you do
Highlight a relevant
accomplishment
Have a question ready to ask
employers (remember time
constraints)

19. Questions to Ask Employers
Who would be an ideal match for this opening?
What kind of projects could I expect to work on?
Can you tell me about the application process?
What can I do in school or in projects to make
myself a better match for your company?
What do you like about working for your
company?

20. Before Moving On
Request a business card and ask “Would it be
possible to contact you?”
Ask about their preferred method for follow up
(e-mail, etc)
Shake hands and thank them for coming

21. After Meeting Your Target
Employers
Track which employers you submitted resumes
to– jot down notes from each employer
“Shop” other employers’ booths and do some
networking
If there are associated workshops or
presentations, plan on attending
Remember that job fairs are just as much about
networking opportunities as they are about
jobs!

22. AFTER THE EVENT
How to Work a Job Fair

23. After the Job Fair
If you did not do research before the Job Fair, do
so before submitting your application
Send a thank you note that affirms your interest
Submit your TARGETED application or resume
following company procedures
Stay in touch periodically, IE: sending them your
updated qualifications
Employers do expect follow-up
The point is to stay Top of Mind–
but don’t become a nuisance!