Preparation:  The Key to Success

Below are the top ten tips to successfully navigating the Job & Internship Fair.  If you have questions or would like your resume critiqued prior to the fair, please contact the Career Services Office.

1. RESEARCH
Review the list of organizations who will be attending the job fair by visiting the Job and Internship Fair website.  Research those employers of interest to you.  Be sure to visit the organization's website to develop a detailed understanding of the organization.  Students who put some extra effort into learning about the employer make a great impression.

2. CREATE A RESUME THAT STANDS OUT - BRING MULTIPLE COPIES
Be sure your resume is an accurate reflection of your accomplishments, skills and experiences.  It should be short, sharp and digestible in a quick glance by an employer.  Be sure you proofread your resume.  Typos and misspelling are inexcusable.  For additional help, see our Effective Resume Writing Guide.  Bring an adequate supply of resumes (at least 20-30) to the fair.  Don't be caught shorthanded!  Resumes should be printed on a laser or ink jet printer using good quality paper.

3. PREPARE THE ALL-IMPORTANT COMMERCIAL
Prepare and rehearse a "30-second commercial."  Think about how you can sell yourself in a brief introduction that will summarize your background & strengths and give the recruiter a good idea of what you are looking for.   Walk up to the employer's table, smile and establish eye contact, hand the recruiter your resume and get ready to launch into a powerful introduction.  For example…

"Hello, I'm Holly Harris.  I'm a senior here at Ursinus College majoring in English. I'm very interested in a marketing career. As you can see on my resume, I just completed an internship in the Marketing Division of the Whatagreat Company in Wilmington. I've also taken some courses in business. I'm very interested in talking with you about marketing opportunities with your organization." 

Practice your sales pitch!  You’ll project confidence and charisma during your introduction if you are comfortable with what you are saying.

4. PRACTICE YOUR INTERVIEWING SKILLS
Practice answering specific interview questions.   Think about specific academic and work experiences which back up your stated skills.  Practice out loud and with friends.  For additional information on interviewing, see our Interview Skills Guide. 

5. PREPARE TO ASK QUESTIONS
Mentally prepare questions you would like to ask the employer.  Examples may include:

  • What goals does your organization have for the coming years?

  • What kind of entry level positions exist within your organization?

  • How many employees are in my area of interest (which is...)?

  • As an entry-level employee, what can I expect to be doing 2, 5, 10 years from now?

  • What is your recruitment process?  What percent of applicants are eventually hired?

For additional examples, see our Interview Skills Guide.  Remember to thoroughly research the organization and their website -- this will help you to prepare relevant and intelligent questions.

6. MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
Prepare to make a good strong first impression by dressing in professional  business attire.  If you are a senior applying for full-time jobs, wear a suit just as you would for a regular interview.  If you are a freshman-junior looking for internships, "business-casual" attire is appropriate.  Please leave sweat pants and jeans at home. See our Career Eye Style Guides for men and women.

Pay attention to good grooming.  Avoid loud perfume, don't chew gum, and address bad breath when possible. Consider removing visible body piercings.

7. HAVE A PLAN OF ATTACK
Prepare a strategy for how you will work the job fair.  Prioritize the employers with whom you would like to speak and identify the information you want to get from them.  Visit the Participating Employers section often to keep up to date on the organizations that will be attending.

8. BRING ENERGY!
Be enthusiastic!  Employer surveys identify the single most important personal attribute students can bring to their first position is Enthusiasm!  So SMILE and project interest in the organization. 

9. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
Be assertive and show initiative and confidence!  Offer a firm handshake and be sure to maintain comfortable eye contact.   A positive attitude can make a big impression!  Always ask for a business card.

10. KEEP TRACK OF CONTACTS
Take notes about contacts you make.  Be sure to take paper and pen with you to write down important details about particular conversations and organizations, including names of people who may not have had business cards. Take a few minutes after you leave each table to jot down these notes!

 After the Job & INTERNSHIP Fair

  • Mailing a thank you letter is most appropriate and may even bring some attention to your name.
  • Within two weeks of the job fair, make follow-up contact with the representatives you spoke to, unless you have discussed an alternative arrangement.
  • If calling to follow-up, be prepared and know what you are going to say beforehand.

 

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