The career fair prep list
As a senior currently on the job market, I am realizing how important it is to develop professional skills early on. This past week, I visited the Business Career Fair (which is open to all LAS students) for the first time, in hopes of being offered a job after I graduate.
I wish I had attended career fairs early on in my college career so I could have become familiar with the atmosphere and network with potential employers, but now I can recommend you guys to start attending as a sophomore or junior to get acquainted with the fast-paced environment and to connect with employers.
This being my first time at any kind of job fair, I did not know what to expect. I walked into the ARC in my best professional attire, leather-bound portfolio in hand, and ready to land a job. As I entered, I saw a swarm of students walking around to calm their nerves, reviewing their resumes, doing last-minute research on companies, and silently practicing their elevator pitches. It made me feel much better knowing that I was not the only anxious about meeting what could be my future employers.
Walking through the career fair can be pretty nerve-racking. About a thousand other students are there, dressed abut the same as you, waiting in long lines to talk to potential employers. They too are competing for an internship or a job.
Talking to an employer can be especially intimidating too, because you are aiming to make the best impression possible in about 30 seconds or less in order to be considered for a job at their company. However, fear not, because if you follow these tips, career fairs will be a breeze for you!
1. Attend seminars that teach you how to maneuver career fairs.
At Illinois, seminars are offered at the Career Center to help students prepare for career fairs and job interviews. They even provide services such as resume reviews and assistance with internship and job searches. These services are free of charge to all students and are run by excellent career counselors.
2. Visit career fairs even if you are a freshman or sophomore and you are not on the job market yet.
This will help you become acquainted with the competitive atmosphere for when you are looking for a job, and you can also network with future employers. And who knows, you might even land an internship!
3. Wear professional attire.
For underclassmen, a dress shirt, a tie (for men), black or gray slacks, and dark conservative shoes will do. For upperclassmen, a professional suit, a tie (for men), solid shirt, dark socks, and conservative shoes would be most appropriate. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
4. Develop and practice your elevator pitch.
At the career fair, employers talk to hundreds of students. You will have only about 30 seconds to present yourself to recruiters. Come up with and practice a short pitch introducing yourself and sell your skills and qualifications to the recruiter and practice a firm, confident handshake and smile.
5. Do your research before going to the career fair.
Look up companies that are attending the fair and see which companies offer jobs in your field. As there are hundreds of companies, chances are you won’t get to visit all of them. Know basic information about each company, such as the work they do, and their past work. Become familiar with the important members of the company (CEO, president, etc.) as well.
These tips got me through my very first career fair, and they can help you too. If you develop those professional skills and start networking now, it will be much easier when you actually go to look for a job in the future!