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/