Does your university or college have a campus job fair coming up? Attending can be a great way to network with potential employers, have your resume reviewed, or learn more about job opportunities. However, presenting yourself to potential employers at campus job fairs can feel intimidating. That’s where we can help!
With a bit of preparation and some smart strategies, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job or internship. Keep on reading for six tips on how to stand out (in a good way!) at campus job fairs and for a free template you can use!
Job Fair Tip 1: Dress for Success
Some people say the first impression is the last impression, so dressing professionally is crucial when attending a job fair. This doesn’t mean that you have to wear a suit (unless you want to!), but rather, present yourself in a clean and polished way. Avoid wearing anything too flashy or casual (like sweatpants and hoodies). Instead, opt for a clean and pressed outfit that’s appropriate for the job you’re seeking.
The following are some of our clothing suggestions to make the best impression at campus job fairs:
- A button-up shirt (bonus points if it’s ironed!)
- Slacks or pants
- A mid-length skirt or dress
- Neutral colours
Job Fair Tip 2: Do Your Research
Before attending the campus job fair, research the organizations that will be attending. Check out their websites, social media profiles, and recent news to get a sense of their mission, values, and current job openings.
Doing some research can ease your pre-job-fair jitters, and give you a head start in tailoring your resume and cover letter to fit the companies you’re interested in. Plus, research may increase your chances of being hired. Employers typically expect candidates to have basic knowledge of the company, so putting in extra time to learn more will serve you well.
Job Fair Tip 3: Practice Makes Perfect
Talking about yourself to employers you’ve never met can feel nerve-wracking. To ensure you come across confident every time, we recommend coming up with an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech, introducing yourself and your skills to recruiters. It should be no more than 30 seconds and should highlight your strengths, skills, and career goals.
Memorize and practice your pitch beforehand to make sure it sounds natural. Some ways to practice your pitch can include:
- Standing in front of a mirror or recording your pitch
- Practicing your pitch with friends or family
- Listening to positive examples of elevator pitches for inspiration
Job Fair Tip 4: Print Copies of Your Resume
Yes, we said print. In today’s digital age, submitting a resume online is often the standard way to reach out to employers. However, printing resumes out and bringing them to the job fair shows initiative, and makes you more memorable to employers. Not sure where to find a printer? On-campus and public libraries often offer printing for a small fee. Or put your file on a flash drive and bring it to a local print shop.
Just remember to bring multiple copies of your resume to hand out to recruiters. This strategy is extra effective when you tailor each resume to the specific job or company you’re interested in, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Tip: Consider having a professional (or a friend you trust) review your resume to ensure it’s polished and error-free.
Job Fair Tip 5: Ask Questions
Approach recruiters with confidence (using your elevator pitch!) when introducing yourself. Be sure to ask thoughtful questions about the company, job responsibilities, and what they’re looking for in a candidate. Engage in meaningful conversation and be sure to express your interest in the job and the company.
Some great questions to ask include:
- “What are some opportunities for professional development?”
- “What is the company culture like?”
- “How can someone go above and beyond in their position?”
Check out our blog for five ways to build a better network when studying abroad.
Job Fair Tip 6: Remember to Follow Up
After the campus job fair, it’s crucial to follow up with recruiters via email or LinkedIn. Remember to express your gratitude for their time and repeat your interest in the job (kind of like a thank you note). You can also include any relevant information that you forgot to mention during the job fair.
As promised, here’s an example of a follow-up template:
| “Dear [employer/connection’s name],
It was a pleasure speaking to you at the [campus name]’s job fair. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn more about [company name], as well as taking the time to answer my questions. I would love to work with [company name] and am open to any opportunities that may arise in the future. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best, [your name] |
By following these tips, you can make a lasting impression at campus job fairs and increase your chances of landing your dream job or internship. Remember, preparation, confidence, and professionalism are key to standing out from the crowd. Good luck!
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