SIU Carbondale College of Business Career Guide

CAREER FAIRS Numerous benefits and opportunities are available to you when you attend a career fair, regardless of your chosen major or your future goals. However, simply attending a career fair is not enough; you need to make your participation count. If you understand what to expect at a career fair and take the proper steps to prepare beforehand, you will receive the maximum benefit from the event and increase your chances of obtaining interviews.

Before the Career Fair Target your top five companies If possible, obtain a list of the employers who will be attending the career fair, and select the top five organizations youwouldmost like to visit. Make sure that at a minimum you research these organizations before you attend the career fair. (Refer to the “Researching an Employer” section of this guide for researching tips). The more you can show an employer that you know about their organization, the more likely you are to leave a positive impression. Prepare a resume A well-written, error free resume is a must. Make sure you have multiple copies of your resume and a list of references to distribute at the career fair. Refer to the “Your Resume” section of your Career Guide for information on resume writing. Create a list of questions to ask employers By asking meaningful questions to employers you show that you have an interest in their company and that you have good listening and communication skills. Be sure to prepare a short list of questions to ask employers. Refer to “Questions to Ask An Interviewer” in the “Interview Preparation” section of this guide for a list of possible questions you may wish to ask.

Benefits of Attending a Career Fair ƒ ƒ Increase your chances of receiving an interview with an employer

Prepare to answer questions You may not sit down to a formal interview, but employers are likely to ask you questions that would be asked during an interview. Review and practice answers to the traditional and behavioral questions that interviews may ask in the “Interview Preparation” section of this guide. Sell yourself Be prepared to introduce yourself to each employer with your name, a firm handshake, a copy of your resume, and your objective. (Why are you attending a career fair and what type of career are you seeking?) Practice this introduction before the career fair so you will be comfortable interacting with employers at the career fair. Be professional Present a professional appearance and dress as if you were attending a job interview. If you are in doubt about what to wear at a career fair, refer to “What to Wear” in the “Interview Preparation” section of this Career Guide. Arrive early In order to avoid long lines you should plan to arrive at career fairs early. You will spend less time waiting in lines and more time visiting with employers.

ƒ ƒ Expand your network of contacts and receive job search advice from experienced recruiters ƒ ƒ Investigate positions,

occupations and/or career fields you could pursue with your specific major and background ƒ ƒ Learn more about employers and available co-op, internship or permanent career opportunities What to Expect at a Career Fair ƒ ƒ Employers expect students to be prepared. Ask thoughtful questions and have a polished resume ƒ ƒ Employers expect to interact with students seeking employment as well as those simply researching careers and employers ƒ ƒ Most recruiters are not authorized to hire candidates on the day of the fair. Your goal should be to land an interview, not a job offer ƒ ƒ Employers’ goals are to be exposed to as many job candidates as possible. You will have a relatively short amount of time to sell yourself and make a positive impact on the employer

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