How to attend a career fair

How to Attend a Career Fair

Today’s agenda:

• How to prepare for a career fair

• What to do when you get there

• How to follow up

Reasons to Go

Find a Job Explore Career Options

Explore Industries Practice Networking

Secure an Interview

www.KUCareerHawk.com

Time to Prepare!

Update your resumeRegister for KU Career ConnectionsCheck www.KUCareerHawk.com to see list of attending

organizationsResearch organizations of interestNarrow focus to 5-8 target organizationsPrioritize targeted organizations

www.KUCareerHawk.com

Get Dressed for Success

Business Neutral ColorsConservative or

minimal jewelryClean shoes and

socks/hoseClean, groomed hairDEI Professional

Clothing Closet

www.KUCareerHawk.com

What to Bring

Multiple ResumesFolder or PortfolioStudent Business Cards and

Business Card HolderPens and PaperComb, breath mints,

Kleenex/handkerchiefA smile and a positive

attitude!

www.KUCareerHawk.com

Avoid Bringing

BackpackGumiPodCell phone with ringer on

www.KUCareerHawk.com

When You ArriveCheck in at Kansas UnionGet a name tag/bagGet a career fair guide/mapTake time to find your

target organizations in the guide and on the map

Check appearance, take a deep breath, smile and walk in

www.KUCareerHawk.com

You’re In…Now What?

Physically locate your target organizations

Introduce yourselfOffer a handshakeSmileTell the recruiter about

yourselfBe ready to listen!

www.KUCareerHawk.com

30-Second Commercial

Major Year in schoolLeadership activitiesJob interestsWhy you are interested

in that organization

www.KUCareerHawk.com

Time to Practice!

Turn to your neighbor and take turns introducing yourselves

Tell your partner your name, major, year in school, and your job interests

Remember to offer a firm handshake and smile!

www.KUCareerHawk.com

Essentials

Ask relevant questionsOffer your resumeFind out whether the

organization will be interviewing (find out when and how to apply)

Request a business card or contact information

Thank the recruiter for his/her time!

www.KUCareerHawk.com

Follow Up

Write thank you notes and/or emailsApply for interviews/jobsOrganize the information you collectedVisit the University Career CenterPractice interviewingIf you are invited to interview…RESPOND

Employers’ Perspective

Video Clip

www.KUCareerHawk.com

We Can Help!

“You can do what you have to do, and sometimes you can do it even better than

you think you can.” – Jimmy Carter

University Career Center

1601 Irving Hill Road110 Burge Union(785) 864-3624

ucc@ku.edu