How to Work a Career Fair

Hilton Hotel Ballrooms

1:30 - 6:00 p.m.

September 12, 2007

Plan ahead by targeting the employers in which you have the most interest and research them using Bauer Career Gateway and the web before the Career Fair. Plan questions based on your research.
Prepare a personal “ad” of about 30 seconds that introduces you, describes your job related skills and expresses your interest in the employer.

Sample Script: Hi, I’m Susie Student. I’m a Senior in finance at the Bauer College. I’ve been taking several energy related classes, and I’ve enjoyed those and done very well in them. We’ve talked about many of the interesting things your company is doing. What’s the best way to learn more about opportunities in your treasury group?

Dress in business attire, as you would for an interview, to make a strong first impression.
Bring your resume to the Career Fair and carry them in a portfolio.
Arrive early if possible to see the companies you expect will be the busiest.
Focus on the shortest lines first. Don’t spend the entire fair in line for one company. If the lines are long, when you arrive, save them for later.
SMILE, give employers firm handshakes, make direct eye contact often.
Ask for business cards from all recruiters whose companies interest you. Later, make notes about your conversations with these recruiters.
Send a thank you letter or e-mail the next day to each recruiter whose company you are considering. If they do not give you business cards, contact information is often available in Bauer Career Gateway. Career Fair Follow-Up Sample Letter

For a complete list of participating companies and their hiring needs, and to submit your resume to these companies, go to Bauer Career Gateway and log in with your UH e-mail alias.