Career Development and Employment Centre

Career Fair Preparation Tips

A Career Fair is a perfect opportunity to test out your networking skills. You are in the favourable position of being in a room filled with people who have the potential to be helpful by offering information about opportunities within a variety of fields. For that reason, you don't want to go unprepared.

Use the following guidelines to devise your networking plan for this Career Fair or similar functions that you may attend.

Have a Clear Goal in Mind

Before the event, determine your networking goals, Know what information, advice, resources, referrals, etc. you are seeking and have some specific questions composed in advance. Decide how many contacts you want to make for the day. Strive for quality rather that quantity and be realistic in your expectations.

Do your research

Employers like to hear "I've done some research on your company and would like to know more about... " Company profiles will be posted on this website to aid in your research. Also drop by the Career Resource Library in POD60A.

Be Prepared

Get as much information as possible about who is going to be participating in the event. Be certain to bring along your business cards, your calendar or time manner, and some writing materials.

Depending on the situation, you may also wish to have copies of your resume close at hand. Have a brief statement ready that highlights your special skills, accomplishments and career objectives and which clearly indicates how you might be of help to tell the prospective employer.

Dress Professionally for success

This is often considered to be a physical indication of your attitude towards yourself, your skills, and the degree of your expectations for employment.

Choose an outfit that helps you feel confident.

Leave Your Mark

Bring a customized resume, portfolio, and business cards, so employers can do easy follow-up. This is another signal to employers that you are prepared by assessing a need, acting upon it and grabbing an opportunity

Need help with your resume? Check out our workshops.

Look Before You Leap

Decide which individuals you would like to meet. Remember that it is generally easier to approach a small group conversation studying or someone on their own.

Take Initiative

Smile. Establish eye contact, introduce yourself, and extend a firm handshake. Take note if your contact is wearing a name tag as it will help you to remember their name and its proper spelling.

Practice the Art of Good Questioning and Listening

You might begin by asking one or two open-ended questions, for example, "Could you tell me a bit more about the various areas of research you are currently involved in?" Try to avoid questions that generate only a "yes" or "no" or one-word response. Demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and that you are listening carefully to what they have to say through your verbal and non-verbal communication.

Mingle and Try to Meet Several People

Move around the room. Try to avoid getting into lengthy conversations as you miss the opportunity to connect with valuable additional contacts. Be sure to exchange business cards after a conversation in which you have developed rapport with the other person.

Take Notes as You Go

At the first opportunity, jot down some key points about the people you have met, what you discussed and any follow-up arrangements. You could do this on the back of the respective person's business card or in your notebook.

Follow Up

The secret to effective networking is following-up and staying in touch with your contacts. If you have promised something, be sure to do it. If you have agreed to meet at a later date, take the initiative of making the call. If you have been given a lead, call your contact to report back on how it turned out. If your contact has been helpful, call or send a thank-you note letting them know.