Career Fair Interviews
Career Fairs are events in which employers and job seekers interface and network about career opportunities.
Companies or organizations set up tables or booths where
resumes can be collected and business cards can be exchanged. In
addition, employers meet with job seekers in brief interviews and
“screen” candidates by asking questions and reviewing their resumes. In
turn, job seekers have the opportunity to ask questions about the
company and career opportunities. One of the most common questions an
employer will ask a student is: “What do you know about our company”? If
you aren’t able to provide some key facts about the company and/or ask
at least one key question of the employer, you may not get a call for an
interview.
Here are some tips to prepare for a career fair:
- Look at what companies are coming to the career fair
ahead of time and select the ones that are of interest to you and
research them – prepare what you will say when asked if you know
anything about the company and prepare a couple of strong questions to
ask each employer.
- Have your resume reviewed prior to the fair and allow
enough time to make revisions. Print out multiple copies –make sure you
have enough so you don’t run out and if you have a two page resume,
staple it together in the upper left corner.
- If you don’t have much experience talking with employers
and feel intimidated, you can visit Career Services office and talk
with a Coordinator on how to prepare for an interview.
- Dress appropriately – do not come to the fair in jeans
and a sweatshirt or poorly groomed. This is the first impression the
employer will have of you. If you have a full day of classes, either
choose to dress professionally that day or bring a change of clothes and
change before the fair. If this is not possible, offer an explanation
to the employer, otherwise they may take it as a sign that you didn’t
care enough to prepare and appear professional.
Source: Quintessential Careers
