For Students

Preparing for a Career Fair

The College of Agriculture Career Fair is designed to aide students who are seeking full-time jobs, internships, or graduate or professional school opportunities. To get the most out of a career fair, it is important to come prepared with resumes, questions and knowledge of the participating organizations. As a prospective employee at a career fair, your body language, communication skills and interaction with others is observed by employers. Here are some suggestions to help you maximize this event:

Before the Career Fair

• Complete your resume and have it reviewed at least once. Be sure to print your resume on resume stock paper and to double check for spelling and grammar errors. Have several copies available to give to employers.
• Research the companies and schools/departments which might be of interest to you.
• Be prepared to ask intelligent questions. Make a list of questions to ask employers.
• Identify specific experiences where you have demonstrated your strengths.
• Know why you are interested in working for a particular company. If you don't know, they won't either.

During the Career Fair

• Make a good first impression! Introduce yourself and establish rapport with the representatives.
• Dress appropriately. Although you are not required to wear a suit, jeans will not make the right first impression with most employers either. This is important even if you are a freshman just beginning to think about internship opportunities.
• Make eye contact when introducing yourself.
• Give a firm handshake.
• Remember the representative's name. Hint: Repeat his or her name in conversation to help you remember.
• Smile and be polite and enthusiastic about the company/school.
• Do not fidget or play with your hair.
• Do not rock from side to side.
• Refrain from looking around when talking or being spoken to.
• Do not chew gum.
• Ask questions in a genuine manner. Don't bombard the employer with questions; maintain a natural flow. Be yourself!
• Listen carefully to what the representative has to say. Be courteous.
• Avoid using filler words such as "um," "like," "you know."
• Make sure your language is appropriate for a professional situation.
• Show confidence in your voice. If they can't hear you, they won't remember you.
• Offer your resume. You might also consider including a business card with your name, university, address, home address, telephone number, e-mail address and graduation date.
• Before leaving, be sure to close the conversation and thank the representative for his or her time. Ask for a business card or write down the representative's name.
• Speak with organizations that you had not previously considered.
• Take the initiative and engage in meaningful conversations with representatives.
• Representatives can be excellent resources in your career search and decision-making process.

After the Career Fair

• Send a thank you note to representatives from the companies you are interested in. This can help remind them of your name as a potential or future candidate.
• Consider mailing an additional resume with your thank you letter.

Questions? Contact Deborah Solie or Megan Ross at (334) 844-4768.