Spring is a busy time here in the office as we prepare for the numerous career fairs we attend each year. This also means that many of you are also busy doing the same. Here are a few quick tips as you start to prepare for your school’s career fair.
Look over the list of who is attending
Career fairs will typically provide a list of employees attending the fair to attendees beforehand. Take a few minutes to look over this list and research the various employers. The point of a career fair is to get to know more about companies, but it’s also a time for companies to know more about you. Knowing the basics of a company will set you apart and allow more time to talk about yourself. You can also map out what booths you want to visit beforehand.
Write questions down for employers
Now that you have researched the different employers, develop a few questions you would like to ask during the career fair. Do they typically accept new graduates? What are they looking for in a candidate? Is there mentorship offered? This is a great opportunity to get a better feel of the employer’s dynamics; however, it’s important to remember it is not a time to grill a potential employer with detailed questions. Be respectful to fellow students and make sure they also get time to talk with the employer. Save the nitty-gritty questions for a follow-up call or interview!
Create your “elevator speech”
Although we like to talk about our hobbies, friends, and favorite furry pals, these are not first on an employer’s need-to-know list. If they come up in conversation, that’s ok, but save these topics for another time. Before walking into the career fair, you should have your “elevator speech” ready. Let employers know about your therapy program, your experiences so far, and where you see yourself. This short bio will give them a glimpse of who you are.
Look your best
Dress for success. How you look at a career fair can truly make a difference. Although career fairs can vary on the attire formality, it is always important to look presentable. It’s wise to check with who is hosting the career fair to make sure you are dressed appropriately. Even if business casual is not expected, avoid rolling in with sweat pants or bed head. Yes, this may mean you can only hit the snooze button once instead of the normal three times.
Have an open mind
A career fair is not only a time to talk with employers of interest, but it’s also a time to check out other opportunities you might not have thought about. Even if it is the last place you see yourself, go talk with that employer and keep an open mind—you may be surprised. Also, remember you are building a connection, so be respectful. You never know who they could be connected to!
Follow-up with employers
If you really enjoyed your conversation with an employer, let them know! Give them a call, send an email, or mail a thank you card. If you talked about something specific, mention that as well. Employers talk with many students at career fairs, so this will help them remember who you are. Even if you are not graduating soon, don’t let the connection die after the first meeting. Keep in touch and remind employers you are interested.
Kirsten Klitz first started with Aureus Medical Group’s parent company C&A Industries as an intern in the marketing department. After graduating from Midland University in May 2014, she came on full-time with the Rehabilitation Therapy Division as a Recruiter. Kirsten joined the Student Outreach Team in January 2015. In her spare time, she enjoys running, baking, and spending time with family and friends!