NETWORKING AT CAREER FAIRS

Career/Job Fairs are excellent opportunities to make contacts that lead to formal interviews and job offers. This opportunity to

meet and gather information about potential employers, find out what employers are looking for in candidates, gather information

about the job market and learn what career fields are in demand. Career/Job Fairs can also be a resource to learn about graduate

or professional schools including entrance requirements, application procedures, programs offered and financial assistance available.

Tips for making the best impression at Career/Job Fairs

• Dress professionally.

• Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and a smile. Speak clearly when giving the employer your name and give key

details about yourself such as your major, your career interest and your anticipated graduation date. Be open, honest, and enthusiastic.

• Have your professional resume readily accessible and plan to bring a minimum of ten copies with you to a Career Fair.

If you know the list of participating employers ahead of time, have targeted resumes available for the potential employers that interest you the most.

• Many Career Fairs are so large that you will not be able to visit with all the recruiters. Organize your time so that you can visit

with the company recruiters that you are most interested in, or with the employers that you know are currently hiring.

• When speaking with a recruiter, be sure to express interest in the organization and demonstrate the skills that employers

are looking for. Ask questions to show your genuine interest, but do not monopolize the recruiter’s time during the Career Fair.

Refer to the questions outlined under the “Informational Interviewing” link.

• Avoid initiating questions about salary or benefits at a Career Fair. These topics should be introduced by the recruiter and more

commonly comes up during a scheduled interview.

• Always pick up any company literature or brochures available and be sure to ask for the business card of the person that you spoke

with. If a business card is not available, write down the person’s name, title, and the best way to contact them (address, phone or email

address) so that you can follow-up appropriately with them. Make notes about what you talked about so that you will stay organized

when you are meeting with a variety of employers in one setting.

• Taking time to follow-up with employers after a Career Fair is a vital step to your success. Use the contact information you gathered

and be sure to follow-up within one week. Send an appropriate letter (thank you note, cover letter and resume, or inquiry letter – depending

upon the situation) and reiterate your interest in the company. Always thank the recruiter for the opportunity to visit with them at the Career Fair.

For more information on Career/Job Fairs at EKU, go to www.career.eku.edu or contact our office at 859.622.1568.