How to Work a Career FairNicole Green

Career Development Centerwww.mtsu.edu/career

Career Development Center

Career Fair Basics

What is your goal?

DOs and DON’Ts

DO:• Dress professional• Speak clearly• Maintain eye contact• Ask intelligent questions, based on company

research

DON’T:• Immediately grab giveaway items• Tell the recruiter you’re there for extra credit• Ask basic questions that could be answered

from the company’s home page

Work a Fair in 5 easy steps!

1. Prepare

2. Develop a Plan of Attack

3. Introduce Yourself

4. Ask Questions

5. Follow-up

Step 1: Prepare

• Company background

• Jobs being recruited• Interview questions• Resume• Attire

Identify companies of interest

Prioritize your company list

Get company table locations

Map your route, start with least important

Step 2: Plan of Attack

Step 3: Introduction

Develop your scriptHi, my name is .

I am a major and involved in .

I’m interested in the field of and understand your company is

hiring _____.

What are you looking for in a successful candidate?

Step 4: Ask Questions

Strategic:• What are the characteristics of your most successful

employees?• Which experiences do you suggest for a successful

candidate?• How long does the hiring process take? What is involved?• What percent of applicants are hired? What is the retention

rate?• Do you hire continually or just at certain times of the year?

Company Background:• What is your organization's culture like? • How many years does the typical employee stay with the

company? • Are there opportunities in your company for ongoing

training? • Is relocation or travel required?

Step 5: Follow-up

• Get recruiter’s business card• Send email thanking him/her

for attending the Fair• Express interest and ask

about next steps

Workshop Series

How to Work a Career FairFeb. 2, 11:30 a.m. Feb. 3, 3 p.m.

Interpreting your Focus AssessmentFeb. 2, 3:45 p.m.

Job SearchFeb. 9, 11:30 a.m.

Resume and Cover LetterFeb. 17, 3 p.m.

Interviewing – Presented by Verizon Wireless

Feb. 24, 3 p.m.

Additional Assistance

Walk-In Advising Program

Fall 2010

Drop off: Pick up:

By noon on Mon. After noon on Wed.

By noon on Wed. After noon on Fri.

By noon on Fri. After noon on Mon.

Fall 2010

From To

Tuesday 9 a.m. 11 a.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. 12 p.m.

Thursday 2 p.m. 4 p.m.