How to Prepare for a Career Fair

• Dress for Success. Wearing appropriate, professional attire can increase your confidence and help you stand out in a crowd! Make sure you are properly groomed. Click here for more Dress for Success tips or visit one of the campuses to speak to a Career Services Professional. Click here for location and phone number to schedule an appointment.
  
  
• Prepare a Short Introduction. It is important to make sure you know what you plan on saying prior to visiting a company. Prepare a 20 to 30-second introduction to use for employers. You want to sound natural and personable and not as though you are soliciting or reading a script. You want your introduction to be applicable and meaningful.
             o    Speak your name clearly, audibly, and distinctly
             o    Summarize your experience, abilities, credentials, and skills
  
  
• Bring Plenty of Resumes. You should bring sufficient copies of your resume (print on a nice paper stock that is professional in appearance and used for resumes) for employers you plan to target. Do not fold or place your resume in an envelope. For resume assistance, please visit one of our Career Services professional. Click here for location and phone number to schedule an appointment.
  
  
• Be Patient. If a company that is on your list has a long line, either continue to wait in line or go to another one and come back later. Stay professional and do not complain or try to interrupt the employer while talking to another individual.
  
  
• Ask Questions. The main purpose of attending the job fair is to gather information. Here are some examples of good questions below:
             o    What do employers look for in an employee?
             o    What particular skills do you value most?
             o    What do you like about working for your organization?
             o    How long have you been with the company?

• Collect Business Cards and Take Notes. Write down notes while the employer is talking to you. Ask for a business card from everyone you speak with.
  
  
• Follow-Up. Send a thank-you letter within 24 hours to each employer you talked to at the fair. Remind them of the position(s) you spoke about and stress your interest in scheduling a follow-up interview. It might be a good idea to enclose your resume that will remind them of your skills and provide them with contact information.
  
  
  For more information or assistance in preparing for a Career Fair, please visit a Career Services Professional located at an HCC campus. Click here for location and phone number to schedule an appointment.