Make a Job Fair Work for You

Before the Fair Review the companies attending and the positions they are interviewing for on the CDC web site Visit company websites to understand who they are, what they do, and what their expectations are for appropriate dress. Tailor your resume to specific companies or positions. Develop and practice your 30-second commercial and your firm handshake Make a list of companies that you want to speak to. During the Fair Dress like you mean business, your attire should reflect your professionalism. See Dress to Impress Guide (includes pictures of interview dress for men and women). Start with companies that you have a general interest in to practice introducing yourself and interacting with the employer representatives. Then move on to your first choice companies Greet company representatives with a smile and firm handshake. Sell yourself, using a 30-second commercial Listen to the company representative. He/she may say something that will generate questions for you, or provide you an opportunity to highlight additional skills. Focus on the job(s) in which you are interested. If you are waiting in line, listen to what the rep is saying to other students or the questions the representative is asking. This may answer some of your questions, and will also help you prepare for your turn Be respectful of other students waiting to talk to the representative. Be alert to nonverbal cues that the representative is ready to end your conversation. Get company literature - company literature could be helpful later, especially if you are selected for an interview Get their business card - You'll need this for your follow up. If they are not providing cards, note the name of the person with whom you speak (they usually wear a name tag at job fairs). Write notes after each company contact -- information about vacancies, company philosophy, hiring process, contact names, or anything you observed during your conversation that might be helpful later. Keep a positive attitude - Stay enthusiastic and positive during the course of the day. Remember to keep smiling! Do not ask questions about information you can find on their or the CDC website. Never ask a company what they do or what positions are available -- this information is available on the CDC website and in the Job Fair program After the Fair The following day, email or mail a thank you note to the company representatives you are interested in interviewing with. Make your communication short but powerful. Remind them who you are and in what position(s) you are interested. Request an interview. Include a more targeted resume if appropriate. Follow up - If you haven't heard from the company within the time you were told interviews would be scheduled, follow up by sending/emailing another copy of your resume with a cover letter to the representative, remind them who you are, what position you are interested in, and why you're perfect for that position. If you forgot to ask about their interviewing/hiring timeline, two weeks is usually an appropriate follow-up time. Follow-up with a phone call 4-5 days after your written communication if you still have not heard from the company.