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Career Fair Do's and Dont's

DO's

1. Dress professionally. Consider what would be appropriate attire in your target organizations. Job fairs require the same attention to attire as interviews. Wear comfortable shoes.
   
   
2. Greet the person with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
   
   
3. Prepare a one-minute commercial. Write a script that introduces yourself, states your knowledge of and interest in the company, and relates your background to the position/organization.
   
   
4. Develop informed questions to ask beforehand. Bridge the gap between yourself and the recruiter. "What is a typical day like?" or "How would you describe the ideal candidate?"
   
   
5. Be independent. Stand alone. Try not to move in groups with your friends.
   
   
6. Have an open mind. Approach lesser known companies in order to discover their potential.
   
   
7. Be personal and have a sense of humor. Talk conversationally with the recruiter.
   
   
8. Bring multiple copies of your resume. Bring an appointment book, in case you have the opportunity to set up an informational interview. Keep all these materials organized throughout the fair.
   
   
9. Inquire about obtaining further information about the company.
   
   
10. "Close the deal"! Take the initiative and ask what your next step is. Take a business card so you can follow up with a thank you card.

DONT's

1. Don't be afraid of the recruiter. They attend these job fairs to meet qualified candidates!
   
   
2. Don't pretend that you are interested when you are not. Don't schedule an appointment if you don't intend to keep it. You may be preventing a student who is really interested from obtaining an interview.
   
   
3. Don't overstate your abilities, you'll end up in a job that you are not able to do. Present yourself and your abilities in a convincing manner.
   
   
4. Don't monopolize the recruiter's time. Sell yourself, make a good impression and give the next student the opportunity to do the same.
   
   
5. Don't ask questions about salary!
   
   
6. Don't complain about former jobs, bosses, or classes!
   
   
7. Avoid negative words, like "can't" or "won't."
   
   
8. Don't insult the recruiter. Cultivate the recruiter as a contact in your network.
   
   
9. Don't just throw your resume on the table; it will probably be thrown into a pile. Take time to market yourself.
   
   
10. Don't jump into a conversation that the recruiter is having with another student. Patiently wait for your turn.