Job fair tips to land internship, career

By Jessica Walendukanis
Courier Staff

Question: What is the best way to meet a large number of hiring employers in a small amount of time?

Answer: Job Fairs.

For students seeking internships, summer jobs and career positions, job fairs are an excellent way to gain exposure to several hiring organizations at one time.

For hiring organizations, job fairs are an excellent way to reach a high volume of interested and employable students in a short period of time.

Job fairs should be one component of the job search process. However, if approached correctly, they can contribute to landing that “perfect” job.

Randall S. Hansen, author of The Ten Keys to Success at Job and Career Fairs, offers 10 strategies to gain the most success at a job fair.

First, be sure to pre-register, if pre-registration is an option. Some job fairs will allow those who pre-registered to submit a resume. This allows employers a chance to pre-screen the job applicants and make notes prior to meeting them.

Next, job applicants should research the companies who will be at the fair. Find out which companies interest you, so there are no distractions by those in which you have no interest in.

Do not forget to bring plenty of resumes. If you have multiple job interests or objectives, make sure to bring enough copies of each kind of resume.

Fourth, if you have a portfolio, bring it. More and more career experts are emphasizing the need for a portfolio. Employers like to be able to see what their future employees are able to accomplish.

Fifth, dress accordingly. Conservative business attire is usually recommended; it is better to be overdressed then underdressed.

The next step is to devise a plan of attack before going to the fair. When you arrive, see if any other companies have registered that had not previously done so. Think about which employers you want to visit first and which ones you want to avoid.

Hone your interview skills. You may only have three to five minutes with the employers, so make sure to market yourself and protect yourself from being screened out.

Also, make sure that you exercise common courtesy. Let the employer know you have good manners and can conduct yourself professionally.

Career and job fairs are all about networking, so take advantage of the opportunity. You can network with your fellow job seekers in terms of sharing job leads, companies and recruiting strategies.

Finally, make sure to follow up. Job seekers who follow up with employers have an edge over applicants who have not. A follow up can be done by phone or, more traditionally, by written correspondence. Be sure to thank the recruiter and restate your interest and qualifications for the position.

Students, now that you know the key steps to job fair success, put them into practice!

You will soon have the opportunity to do so without even leaving the perimeters of campus.

The Wackerle Career and Leadership Center will host the annual MC Career, Summer Job and Internship Fair on Thursday, Mar. 2 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. in the lower level of the Stockdale Center.

Recruiters will be present to discuss internships and summer jobs, as well as permanent, full-time career opportunities with students.

Even if you are not ready to pursue any of these options yet, this is a great chance to network with employers.

You can find out what types of questions they ask and which qualities they are seeking in candidates. This is good preparation for when you are ready.

For a complete list of participating employers, refer to the Outlook message board or the Wackerle bulletin board across from Scots’ Market.