Career Fair Checklist

Before the Career Fair

Know the company: Research the employers that might be of interest of you.
Read employer literature on the web. Start the conversation with what you know about them.
Be prepared to ask questions of the representatives. Practice out loud; it helps.
Know yourself: Try to identify specific experiences where you have demonstrated your strengths.
Back up all your skills with specific examples will make you a stronger candidate.
Know why you want to work for their company. If you don't know, they won't know either.
Develop a strong resume and bring several copies for distribution.
Consider your dress. Suits are preferable, but at the least, a button-up shirt with slacks, pants, or skirts are needed to create your professional, polished image.

Make a good first impression: Make eye contact immediately when introducing yourself.
Give a firm handshake to get you off to a good start.
Remember the representative's name; if not, casually refer to their nametag.
Smile and be polite - enthusiasm is an important quality.
Dress nicely; professional dress is required.
Body language often can speak louder than the spoken word: Do not fidget or make other distracting movements.
Do not look around when talking or being spoken to.
Do not chew gum.
Listen carefully to what the representative has to say!
Communication is critical: Avoid using filler words such as, "um," "like," and "ya know."
Show confidence in your voice. The room will be noisy, and if they can't hear you they won't remember you. Be articulate and sell yourself.
Offer a polished resume.
Ask for a business card or write down the representative's name. It's also okay to ask what the hiring procedure is.

Mailing (or emailing) a thank you letter is not only appropriate; it can also bring positive attention to your name and application.
you can send an intial or additional resume in your thank you letter; again, point out your strengths.
You can also call to make sure that your application is complete.
When calling, be prepared and know/practice what you are going to say beforehand regarding restating your strenths specific to their position and/or organization.

For a full list of employers at the STEM Career Fair, click here.
For a full list of employers at the All-Majors Career Fair, click here.