Great Opportunities are Waiting at:

Career Marketplace 2008 Hourly and Salary Job Fair

Check Out Our Current Attendee List View the list

Sneak a Peek at the Virtual Career Fair! View event map

What to Bring to a Job Fair

Cover Letter & Resume:

• Update your resume showing recent achivements, certifications, promotions, etc.
• Make sure resume content reflects your current skills and experience in your chosen field.
• Create an individualized cover letter for each resume.
• Check grammar and spelling before your print.

Create a Portfolio Containing:

• Printed examples of your work
• Published work
• Certifications
• Recommendations from coworkers or personal references

Red Hot Techniques to Job Fair Success

1. Make a List
• Check the event's Attendee List to determine which employers you want to meet.
• Research company information through company profiles, literature, and web sites.
• Read current job postings to learn more about what the company is hiring for.
2. Be Prepared
   • Print several copies of your resume to give to employers on your list. Have extra copies as a backup.
   • Have current contact information for references and previous employers.
   • Bring a pen to fill out applications
3. Dress Professionally
   • Business casual attire (trousers, button-down dress shirt, dress shoes) is always appropriate.
     • You will be doing a lot of standing and walking - make sure you wear comfortable, yet professional shoes.
   • Avoid casual attire including: denim, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, shorts, and baseball-hats
   • Clothing should be conservative - avoid low cut tops, shirt skirts, and low slung pants
4. Split Up
   • Visit employers separately even if your friend(s) are in the same industry
   • Keep conversation with friends to a minimum in the venue
   • Meet in a quiet area to compare notes and refer each other to employers who best meet their strengths and experience.
5. Be Courteous
   • Turn off your cell phone in the venue
     • If you are expecting a call, excuse yourself to the lobby and return to the booth when your call is complete.
     • Take off your Bluetooth. It creates an unnecessary distraction.
   • Don't fill out applications at the employer's booth. Utilize any designated job seeker areas to complete required paperwork.
   • Avoid ALL gossip until you leave the venue. This especially includes restrooms and parking lots. You never know who may be listening.
6. Follow Up
   • Ask the employer for their business card to ensure accurate contact information
   • Find out the best method of contact (i.e. e-mail, telephone, etc.) for follow up.
   • Send a thank you note immediately following the event

Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing

Do:

• Relax
• Be engaging:
     Offer up your firmest handshake
     Smile
     Make eye contact
• Sit up straight
• Take a drink if offered
• Speak up - but never interrupt
• Sell yourself as a problem-solver
• Be honest- Don't say you can do things you can't do
• Don't freak out if you make a mistake
• Have questions of your own
• Be patient yet persistent
• When negotiating- prove you know the regional salary range and provide reasons for your desired salary
• Be confident in your skills and experience

Don't:

• Speak negatively about previous work experiences, bosses, teachers, etc.
• Talk about your minimum salary expectations at the beginning of the interview.  If asked, respond that you would like to know more about the position before talking about salary.
• Talk about hot topics of conversation (politics and other controversial topics)
• Talk about your nationality, age, health or medical history or marital status