Job Fair Checklist

JOB FAIR CHECKLIST

BEFORE THE JOB FAIR

  • Research the companies (if available) that will be at the job fair - and the positions they offer.
  • Based on your research, target the companies of primary and secondary interest to you.
  • Know what employers are looking for in a job candidate skills, abilities and qualities.
  • Prepare yourself mentally by reflecting on your specific career goals and by clearly identifying your own skills, abilities, and positive qualities.
  • Assemble what you will bring to the job fair hard copies of your updated professional resume, a professional portfolio, lists of professional references, letters of recommendation, copies of your transcripts, a sample completed application, facts about each company and a leather or vinyl bound padfolio with paper and pen - for taking notes.
  • Sharpen up on your interviewing techniques visit the Career Planning Center for assistance.
  • Prepare a list of questions you wish to ask the employer to further explore your interest in them.

THE DAY OF THE JOB FAIR

  • Dress to impress consider your meeting with each employer at the job fair as a job interview.
  • Arrive early begin your search while you (and the employer) are fresh and full of energy.
  • Make a trip to the restroom for one final check of your appearance.
  • Check out the floor plan of the job fair and map out your strategy for approaching employers.
  • Review your research of the employer and targeted position(s) prior to visiting their booth.
  • Research the recruiter(s) at the booth before approaching them watch how they deal with other job candidates, and listen to what they say and ask.
  • Use your time well while standing in line this is an opportunity to read and learn more about the company and to network with other job candidates in line.
  • Approach employers with confidence good eye contact, a firm handshake, and a smile.
  • Be aware of your body language and non-verbal cues while speaking with the employer.
  • Show confidence in your voice as the room will be noisy.
  • Be articulate and sell yourself show what makes you stand out from other job candidates.
  • Network with the employer reps they may know of others who could help you in your job search.
  • Leave the employer with a copy of your professional resume and references if appropriate.
  • Collect business cards from the employers you meet for follow-up contacts.
  • Pick up company literature, job descriptions, and any other relevant information.
  • Remember to identify the key to successfully moving on to the next step in the hiring process. Ask the employer how you move from the job fair interview to an interview at the company?
  • Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
  • Record your impressions, thoughts, feelings, and key facts after each employer meeting.
  • Before you leave, make one more contact with employers you have an ongoing interest in. Give them your name, thank them again, and let them know you look forward to hearing from them.

AFTER THE JOB FAIR

  • Send a thank you letter the next day at the latest.
  • If you have not heard from the employer within a week, make a follow-up phone call. Be professional in your follow-up contacts.

Sources:
CollegeGrad (www.collegegrad.com)
JobWeb (www.jobweb.com)
NYS Department of Labor