Post on 23-Jun-2020
Career Fair Tips
How to Make the Most of a
Career Networking Fair
Overview
• Reasons to attend
• How to prepare
• What to wear
• What to bring
• What to do during the fair
• How to follow up
Reasons to attend
• If you are looking for a job right now:
– Meet recruiters in person
– Practice interviewing skills
– Get job search advice
• If you are not looking for a job right now:
– Explore different career fields
– Develop your network
– Update recruiters on your progress
How to Prepare
• Use Career Services resources to develop and edit your resume
• Have revised resume critiqued by a Career Counselor
• Identify and research your top 10-15 participating employers
• Prepare a short introduction (elevator speech)
• Prepare a list of relevant questions you want to ask each employer
• Rehearse responses to sample questions employers may ask you
• Review your online image
What to Bring
USF ID card
Minimum of 20 resumes
Prepared portfolio
Pens that work
Breath mints (no gum)
Comb or brush
Genuine smile
Enthusiasm
What to Do During the Fair
Get an early start
Locate your top employers by reviewing the floor plan
Network alone, not in a group
Respect others’ conversations - review literature while you wait
Watch for cues that the employer is ready to talk with you
Make eye contact, smile, and shake hands
What to Do During the Fair, cont’d
Make your introduction short (elevator speech)
Listen attentively and convey your strengths and interests
Find out if the employer has scheduled a Career Services on-campus interview
Do not discuss benefits and salary issues
Collect business cards from everyone
Make notes after meeting each employer
How to Follow Up
Write a thank-you letter/e-mail to each
employer with whom you spoke, confirming
your interest
Apply to company through their website if
directed to do so
Attend information sessions
Register with Career Services for on-campus
interviews and resume referral
Summary
Reasons to attend
How to prepare
What to wear
What to bring
What to do during the fair
How to follow up
Career Resources
www.usf.edu/career-services/
Website links
Company/industry research
resources
Sample interview questions
Elevator Speech Power Point
Professional attire resources
Career Services Partnership with
USF Library Job Shop
Career Peers provide information and resources for your job search, including resume critiques.
Computer stations are available to conduct job search online/apply for positions.
Career Corner
Various career-related books that are located in Career Services are now available to be checked out at the Career Corner in the Starbucks lobby in the USF Tampa Library.
Career Services
Survey:
bit.ly/usfcspresentationsurvey
Student Services Building (SVC) 2088
(813) 974-2171
Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm
www.usf.edu/career-services/