Career Fair Confidence

Career fairs can be a great opportunity for job seekers. Recruiters and employers are there for one reason-to find someone like you! But walking around and leisurely talking to people at the different tables won't get you the best results. There are a few tips that can make all the difference in your personal effectiveness at a career fair:

Have a plan.

There's nothing worse than walking into a big expo center and just sort of meandering around the room without any idea of where you want to go or whom you would like to speak with. Check out what companies are at the event, choose the tables you most want to visit and start from there. If your goal is to walk away with solid leads for an internship or job, it's probably better to focus on a smaller number of employers or recruiting agencies and spend quality time learning more about these organizations.

Bring resumes, and bring a variety.

Of course every other job seeker at a career fair will be passing out his or her resume. So it makes sense to bring plenty of your own. But don't forget to bring different versions if there will be a variety of employers at the event. If you have different professional objectives that apply to different job positions, or if you'd like to focus on different credentials according to the employer, having more than one resume can let you get focused fast in front of a potential employer.

Dress the part.

You want to be comfortable if you're walking around and on your feet all day, so a three-piece suit or high heels aren't a requirement. But what you wear can really make a difference when your appearance will be how a recruiter or employer gets their first impression of you as a professional. Choose a dark suit, and if you are unsure of something (like jewelry, hair or shoes) it's much better to err on the side of conservative! You want to be the attraction when talking to a recruiter, not your fluorescent orange tie or long dangling earrings!

Arm yourself with questions.

You don't want to be caught speechless when a recruiter or employer turns the discussion back to you. Be prepared on the spot with a list of questions that cover the issues that are important to you in a job. Items such as salary and benefits might not be appropriate to discuss at a first meeting, but questions about the actual position, company atmosphere and requirements are good topics. This is also the perfect chance to talk to the representative at the fair about their own experience with the company and why they work there.

Treat career fairs like an interview.

A lot of people miss out on the opportunities a career fair can provide because they don't take the time to take the event seriously and prepare themselves. A career fair is just like having a few first interviews all in one day, so give your next career fair the same respect (and preparation) you would give a regular interview. Create a plan, bring your resume, dress professionally and be ready to have an intelligent discussion with potential employers. With a little bit of prep time, your next career fair could turn out to be a great first step in finding a job you'll love!