The career fair is one of the staple events hosted by university and college career centers. The events typically offer the opportunity for employers to connect with students to discuss open positions at their organizations and for students to begin networking with professionals in a variety of fields. These opportunities can be intimidating for students, especially if they have never encountered this type of event prior to arriving to campus. Are you a student curious about career fairs? Or perhaps you recently attended a career fair and left feeling like you could have done more to prepare? From pre-fair preparations to post-fair reflections, we are here to help!
Pre Fair Tips:
- Review the Career Fair Preparation Guide for SD State Students. This is a one-page document for current students that provides a step-by-step guide to navigating a successful career fair.
- Dress professional when attending a career fair. Dressing professionally encompasses a range of styles of attire. Students will generally be fine if they wear chinos and a button shirt. However, dressing more formally is welcome. Stop by our office if you are a current SD State student and you do not have professional clothing. We have a Professional Career Closet which contains free professional attire.
- Listen to The Career Fair and The Career Fair Part 2. On these episode of Career Connections I focus solely on career fairs. The actual art of preparing for a career fair can be hard for students, so this content is valuable for any student preparing for these events.
During the Fair
- Meet the recruiters! It is important to ask employers about their company, express your goals as a student and what you hope to accomplish after graduation. Collect contact information from the employers while you connect with them.
- If your professors are requiring you to attend a career fair, consider the reasons. Do not simply arrive at the career fair, take a selfie to prove you were there and then leave. This is unprofessional and disrespectful. These events are specifically held for you to meet with employers! You never know when a professional connection may serve you.
After the Fair
- Follow up with any employer you met. It is important to start developing these connections. Perhaps you spoke with an employer you are very interested in working with, but they did not have any open positions at the time of the career fair. That’s ok. Keep in touch with them. Try to build a connection so you are in front of mind with them when they do have open positions.
- Reflect on the experience. Were you able to speak confidently with employers? Did you feel intimidated? Did you learn more about the industries represented at the fair? If not, figure out ways to develop this capacity. There are many opportunities to do this on campus.
Contact us if you have questions about preparing for a career fair, any of the resources shared in this article, or would like some help with the job search.
