Preparing for a job fair is key to meeting potential employers

Attending your school’s job or career fair is a great way to meet and network with employers in your field. 

The importance of properly preparing for this event cannot be understated, as a job fair should be approached the same way as a job interview: dress properly, make eye contact and be knowledgeable about the employer you’re speaking to. If you prepare for a job fair properly, you will be in a great position to make a lasting impression on employers in your field.

Being prepared for a job fair will go a long way in properly branding yourself and developing important contacts.

Here are a few tips as to how you can prepare for a job fair:

• Obtain a list of employers attending the career fair; contact your career services office for assistance
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• Research the companies in advance. You will make a great impression if you can demonstrate knowledge of a company to its representatives
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• Know what day you will be available to start work if you are looking for a summer job
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• Prepare your resume, and bring plenty of copies to give to interested employers
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• Bring a portfolio to carry your materials
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• Prepare a list of questions you want to ask employers, such as, “What makes your organization a great one to work for?” or “What opportunities for advancement exist in your organization?”
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• Plan how you will dress
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• Ensure you are well groomed
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• Practice looking employers in the eye, giving them a firm handshake and introducing yourself in a professional manner (ex: “Hello, I’m Robert Jones, I’m a 4^th year Psychology student)
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TIP: Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions.