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For students entering the workforce for the first time, the search for a job or internship can often seem overwhelming. Fortunately, events like the Student Career Days Career Fair make it easy to connect with potential employers from around the country. With more than 90 companies represented at the fair, opportunities to find the ideal employer are plentiful.

Sometimes, though, it can be intimidating to approach a booth or recruiter at an event of this size. Nearly 900 students are walking the floor, and getting noticed among the crowds might seem challenging. But remember, these company representatives are there to meet you. They are just as excited to recruit young, talented students as you are to find a job. To help you overcome the Career Fair jitters and stand out among the rest, Student Career Day Chair and National Recruiting Director of Next Level Network, Jennifer Buck, offers these “12 Quick and Easy Steps” to improve your experience at this year’s fair.

Career Fair Success!
12 Quick and Easy Steps

1.   Print several copies of your typo-free, spell-checked, contact info, including your résumé, on bond paper and have an additional sheet with references.

2.  Look ahead of time to see what companies will be there (your pocket program has a full listing with booth numbers).

3.  Approach those companies that look interested in talking to candidates.  (If a booth has two reps and they’re too busy talking to each other to talk to you, move on.)

4.  Have your right hand free (stash all the free goodies in a bag or purse, where they won’t be in the way) and give a strong handshake. (Don’t break any fingers, but no limp hands either; this goes for females too.)

5.  Look employers in the eye when talking to them, speak strong and clearly –– no mumbling.

6.  Keep your head up and maintain good posture; show some confidence (even if you’re a little intimidated or nervous). 

7.  Be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What’s your major/what program are you studying?
• Is this your first Student Career Days?  If no, which others have you attended?
• What type of position are you looking for (internship, full-time, part-time)?
• What aspects of the green industry interest you?
• Do you have any prior experience?
• What events are you competing in?

8.  Be prepared to ask thoughtful questions:

• Where is your company located?
• What type of work do you do?
• Are you hiring?  For what positions?
• What makes your company different from the other 90 in this room?
• Why does your company attend Student Career Days each year?

9.  If you like what you see and hear, set up an interview. (Take advantage of some one-on-one interview time with a company you like.)

10.  Say “thank you” when you finish chatting with someone (for five minutes at the booth, or after an interview).

11. Each time you speak with company representatives, be sure to get their name and contact information.

12. Follow up with a thank-you note to each company representative you speak with at the fair.

Return to March 2008 On Campus With PLANET