Join GC Career Networks and GC Athletics Department for our first Pro Day Career Fair!
A wide array of local and regional recruiters will be on hand to meet Goshen College students and alumni. It’s free to GC students and alumni, so don’t miss it!
Attending career fairs is a great way for you to connect with employers to learn more about the organization, and the qualities and skills they seek in candidates. It’s also an opportunity for you to express your interest in an organization, highlight your relevant experiences, and potentially secure an interview.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Career Fairs
-Bring many copies of your resume to submit to employers
-Come prepared having done a little research on businesses or organizations attending the fair
-Dress appropriately. First impressions are important. While campus attire is acceptable for fairs, you will probably be most comfortable if you at least dress in “business casual.”
-Get your bearings. When you arrive, take a few minutes to review the map and directory for the fair. You may feel more comfortable if you quickly locate and walk by the employers in whom you’re most interested. This will confirm their location and alert you to any crowds or lines of other students waiting.
-Introduce yourself and be prepared to give your “career pitch.” Extend your hand, say “hello” and state your name. Welcome the representative to Cal. Have your resume ready to give to the employer. Be ready to talk about your career interests as well as academic and extracurricular experiences to show your skills and strengths.
-Take notes when you inquire about next steps and the possibility of talking with additional managers. The representative at the fair may not be able to answer all of your questions or know specifics about your job interests. Write down the names, telephone numbers, etc. of other staff in the organization whom you can contact later. Note specific employer information sessions, on-campus interviewing and projected hiring dates that will affect you. You will not be able to take advantage of this information if you don’t record it.
-Ask the representative for his/her card, and then promptly send a thank-you note. Having the business card of the representative you have just spoken with serves three purposes. First, you have a direct contact with the organization, including the proper spelling of the representative’s name, direct telephone line, etc. Second, a brief thank-you note acknowledges the help they gave you and the time they took to visit campus. Third, sending thank-you notes is a good professional habit.
-Respect employers’ materials/sample items. Some employers bring large quantities of print materials or “give aways” clearly intended for students to take. Other employers bring a few copies of print materials, sample products, etc. as displays at their tables. Always check with employers before taking materials from their tables and don’t take materials still packed in boxes. Some employers come to multiple days of fairs and plan to have enough materials for all days.
-Be courteous! In addition to representing yourself, you also represent your department and the University. All of the organizations at the fair are there because of their interest in hiring Berkeley students. Some representatives are Cal alumni. Demonstrate sensitivity to other students waiting to speak with employers by keeping your questions brief and offering to continue your conversation at a later time. Enjoy the fair and your interaction with the employers. Let your positive attitude show!