Making the Most of the Career Fair Career fairs provide you a valuable opportunity to explore careers, find employment experience, obtain employer information, and establish contacts. Hundreds of organizations each year come to Santa Clara University to meet with students of all majors and career directions about full-time, internship, and volunteer positions. They enjoy the opportunity to talk with you about their organizations, to identify potential candidates for future hiring needs, and to fill specific positions they may currently have available. For you, the Career Center’s fall, winter, or spring career fairs provide one-stop shopping. What a great opportunity to be able to talk to numerous organizations at one time and place!
BEFORE THE CAREER FAIR Adopt a positive attitude and focus on the benefits of
attending this event. You can learn a lot from employers about their organizations and job opportunities. Define your goals, such as finding jobs or internships,
seeking information about organizations, making initial contacts, or practicing communication skills with employers.
Bring at least 20 copies of your updated resume to give to interested employers. You may want to prepare more than one version, depending on your goals.
Do your homework and come prepared. Review the list
of employers and their Web sites. Gathering background information on an organization enables you to ask very focused and specific questions and helps you to make a positive first impression. Be prepared to briefly answer questions from employers
regarding your career goals. Explore all of your options. Have an open mind when you
decide which organizations you want to visit. You never know when you may find a great opportunity with an employer you had never considered before. Prepare a list of questions to ask the different
organization representatives. Ask for details about available positions, training programs, internship opportunities, possible career paths, etc. Prepare a self-introduction that will briefly, but
enthusiastically, show your strengths, skills, experience, and interest. Practice your firm handshake, smile, and eye contact! Dress appropriately. Remember that first impressions
count! While campus attire is acceptable for the career fairs, you will probably be most comfortable if you at least dress in business casual. The business casual look ranges from slacks or skirts to khakis. It includes a collared shirt and trousers, a shirt or sweater with a skirt, or coordinated separates. Low-heeled shoes and loafers are acceptable business casual items.
AT THE CAREER FAIR Allow yourself adequate time. Come as early as possible.
You may need to return between classes. When you arrive, take a few minutes to review the map and
directory for the fair. You may feel more comfortable if you quickly locate and walk by the employers of greatest interest to you. This will confirm their location and alert you to any crowds or lines of other students waiting. Relax and smile! You are prepared for this event. Enjoy
yourself! It is a time to make a positive impression. Introduce yourself, establish eye contact, and present a firm
handshake. Remember to maintain eye contact throughout your conversation. Have your resume ready to give to the employer. Remember to keep your energy high and remain very
positive and friendly with each employer you meet. Don’t forget that even though you are saying the same thing over and over again the information is new to each person. Take a short break if you need to catch your breath. Take notes about next steps and the possibility of talking
with additional managers. The representative at the fair may not be able to answer all of your questions or know specifics about your job interests. Write down the names, telephone numbers, etc. of other staff in the organization whom you can contact later. Expect to take the lead in your conversations with the
employers. Be positive, enthusiastic, and self-confident. Be prepared to discuss your skills, interests, background
and career goals. Sell yourself -- be ready to articulate your strengths and competencies to an employer, and the key features that make you standout from others who may be looking at the same career opportunities. Ask the representative for his/her business card. Be courteous and know when it is time to move on.
Demonstrate sensitivity to other students waiting to speak with an employer by keeping your questions brief and offer to continue your conversation at a later time. Offer a polite closure when the conversation has ended, something like “It has been nice meeting you”.
500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053-1057 • www.scu.edu/careercenter • (408)554-4421 • (408)554-4902 FAX