Discovered Resources Job Fair

Preparation Tips

• Benefits of the job fair
• Why companies participate
• What do I wear?
• Tips for gentlemen
• Tips for women
• How do I prepare for the job fair?
• Questions to ask
• Job fair…day of
• After the job fair

Benefits of the Job Fair

• Talk face to face with employers
• Learn more about participating companies
• Expand your network of contacts

Why Companies Participate

• Meet qualified applicants for current openings
• Build an applicant pool for future openings

What do I wear?

• Conservative professional attire is the best
• You need to be neatly groomed
• No heavy perfume, men’s cologne, or facial jewelry
• Your chances for an interview or job could be risked if you wear anything that can distract an employer from focusing on your qualifications

Tips for Gentlemen

• You should wear clean pressed dress pants and a long sleeve light colored pressed shirt and tie
• Wear comfortable dress shoes

Tips for Women

• A suit (either pants or skirt are fine), or wear a nice blouse and skirt, dress or slacks
• Wear comfortable dress shoes

How do I prepare for the Job Fair?

• Do your homework!
• Prepare a résumé that presents your skills, experience, and education
• Proof read your résumé not once but twice
• Have with you the appropriate amount of resumes (at least two per organization).
• Find out what companies and organizations are attending.
• Determine the companies or organizations in which you are most interested
• Develop and practice a “one-minute commercial” including a brief summary of your experience, education, skills, interests, strengths, and goals
• Research companies participating in the Job Fair at their websites or at www.drjobfair.com
• Prepare questions that show interest and knowledge about the organizations

Questions to Ask

1. What career opportunities are available in your organization?
2. What is the employment outlook in the field right now?
3. What type of training is available?
4. What types of assignments are given?
5. What do you look for in candidates?

NOTE: Do not ask about salary or benefits.

Job Fair…day of!

• Arrive early…be there when recruiters are fresh and attentive
• Have the appropriate amount of résumés with you (two for every employer)
• Be well organized and have your résumé readily available
• Go alone, or if you go with others, walk the Job Fair by yourself
• Dress, speak, and act professionally
• Be assertive, offer a firm handshake, make direct eye contact and use your one-minute commercial as an introduction
• Demonstrate confidence, interest, and enthusiasm.
• Remember to “smile”
• Indicate the knowledge you gained about the company through your research
• Ask relevant questions and answer questions clearly and concisely
• Collect company information, request their business card and ask about follow-up procedures
• Do not forget to ask about the application procedure
  1. Be prepared to fill out job applications at the job fair. It is best to complete and submit them on the spot. Keep track of which companies you gave résumés or submitted applications.
  2. Do not be turned off by employers referring you to their online application process. Be prepared with additional questions about their application process and about their company. Companies send recruiters to job fairs to meet candidates and make notes on initial impressions even if they have an online application. So use this time to ask questions, network, and introduce your skills. Do not walk away frustrated!
• Repeat your interest in the company, leave a résumé, and thank each person for their time
• Make notes of information you have gained, especially any follow-up action that was discussed

After the job fair

• Follow‐up with employer(s) within 24‐48 hours
• Write a thank you note to the representatives you met, gave résumés, or submitted applications
• Use the contact information you obtained
• If you do not hear from an employer after your first follow-up, make another contact