How to Navigate a Job/Career Fair

Good morning, everyone!  Tomorrow is a big day at NEIU - our Fall 2012 Diversity Community Job and Volunteer Fair happens tomorrow from 12-3.  (If you are looking for a job, I highly recommend attending - it's free and open to the community, along with students and alumni.)

We have 68 companies attending - up A LOT from last year's 35ish.  It's very exciting stuff.

Now, I know for many of you, the idea of attending a job fair does not sound fun at all. I remember the first time I ever attended one - I was so nervous and intimidated.  However, while job fairs don't necessarily translate directly into interviews or jobs (though they can), they are an integral part of the job search process, especially for college students and alumni.

Now, for some helpful hints/tips for navigating your first job fair:

1. Research the companies you want to talk to.  This is a big one.  The employers there will expect you to have done your research.  Most job fairs have lists of the companies attending, and sometimes also the positions for which they are recruiting.  Pay attention to this and do some research, writing down notes and talking points.
2. Practice your 30-second pitch.  You need to have something to say to these recruiters, so practicing (not memorizing) an elevator pitch is a good thing to do.  Talk about who you are, why you are interested in them, and why you are a good fit for their organization/position.
3. Print out plenty of resumes.  You will need more than you'll think you'll need, so print out a lot.  If you happen to have resume or other high-quality paper, print them out on that.  Make sure everything looks good when you print them out, and be prepared to give a copy at the door of the fair.  (Also, be sure to put them in a padfolio so that they don't wrinkle or get folded.)
4. Dress professionally.  This means a suit.  At the very least, wear business casual attire (basically the suit minus the jacket).  DO NOT wear jeans, t-shirts, mini skirts, high heels (they will just hurt your feet), low-cut attire, sweats, sneakers, flip flops, or anything too revealing. 
5. Walk around the fair first before you talk to anyone.  Get the lay of the land, observe others talking to companies, and just get a feel of the order you want to approach the recruiters.
6. Before talking to your "dream companies," talk to a company you don't know anything about or when you are less interested in.  This will help you practice your 30-second pitch for real and allow you to build up your confidence before you talk to your "dream company" and blow it.  Talk to as many companies as you need to before you are ready for the big ones. 
7. Be prepared for long lines.  More than likely, you are not the only person who wants to work for said organization.  Be prepared to wait in lines for at least 5-10 minutes.  This is why high heels are not recommended.
8. Ask for a business card.  Be sure to get some contact information from the recruiter before you leave.  (Give them your resume too.)  On the back of the business card, be sure to jot down something that will remind you of the conversation that you had with this person.
9. Follow up.  If they tell you to apply online, do it.  Send them a thank-you note within 24-48 hours of the fair, thanking them for their time and reminding them of your conversation with them and why you are a good fit.  If you have recently applied, let them know of this as well so they can keep an eye out for your application.
10. Don't expect immediate results.  While you may get invited for an interview at the fair, or a few days later, it may take weeks or months before you hear anything.  If you are interested, follow up with them regularly (but not to the point that you are stalking them or calling them daily). 

Job fairs are a great way to meet many companies in a short period of time.  Even if they aren't recruiting for positions of interest, still talk to companies you may be interested in for other positions.  You never know when they will have openings.  In addition, it's great to talk to companies at fairs to ask questions to a real person.

If you have any questions on how to prepare, see a career counselor/advisor, as they can help you get prepared.  Good luck!