Career Fair 101

Recently, I attended a career fair at my university. As much as I wanted to feel confident going into it, I could not help but feel a little nervous. What if I forgot something or said something wrong? To help myself feel a bit less nervous and to hopefully help you, I came up with a list of things that I feel are important to remember before going to a career fair or networking event.

1. Bring Resumes! 

It goes without saying that resumes are a crucial part in landing a job. A lot has changed in the job market over the past few decades, but one thing has remained the same – resumes are always required. Don’t bring just one resume or even a couple, bring several. Depending on the size of the event that you’re attending usually 15 to 20 is a good starting point. 

2. Bring something to put your resumes in! 

Ideally, a nice portfolio or professional folder is best. But if that is not an option, that’s okay. Grab a clean and simple two-pocket folder to keep copies of your resume along with any information companies will provide you. The last thing you want to appear to prospective employers is unorganized or sloppy.

3. Have a small list of companies you definitely want to meet with and research them! 

Often, career fairs can have more companies than you can meet with without passing out from exhaustion. Prior to the event there will always be a list released of all attending organizations. Make sure to review the list, establish three or four companies that you most definitely want to meet with and research them. This does not have to be like writing that fifteen-page history research paper, but you should have a general idea about what the company does and any recent company news.

4. Prepare your elevator speech! 

The concept of an elevator speech can be daunting. Ten to fifteen seconds to tell a company why they should be interested in you seems impossible. It doesn’t have to be though. A great elevator speech should answer three questions according to Forbes.com:

a.     Who are you?

b.     What do you do (or have done)?

c.      What are you looking for?

Your speech should be outlined and prepared, but not memorized. You want to sound confident, but not like a robot. For more details regarding the elevator speech, check out this great article from Forbes.

5. Health and Hydration! 

It is important to get a good night’s rest the night before. As much as you may feel excited or nervous, going without sleep will only cause you to appear like a walker from The Walking Dead. The same goes for food and water. Make sure you eat a good meal before heading to the event and maintain your hydration before and during the event. You’ll be talking quite a bit, so dehydration is not an option.

Doing each of these things will help to put you on a great start to rocking your career event! As for those butterflies in your stomach, think of them as a good thing! With the right mindset you can transform nervousness into confidence and energy!