How to Work a Job Fair

A Fair can be a great place to network, to find out about work environments, and to land an internship or job.

Remember: Preparation is Key

By reviewing these tips for before, at, and after the job fair, you've already started on the right track.

Before the Fair

Know the employers
Make a list of the organizations you most want to work for and research their products, services, goals, and needs. Be prepared to discuss what you can do for each organization you are interested in. Download a PDF version of the Employer List (available before the fairs.) Be sure to bring your copy to the fair.

By signing in with the Career Center you will receive email notification when a list of participating employers is available so you can access information needed to target your resumes for the job fairs.

Gain an Early Bird Pass so that you can enter the job fairs early by attending a Job Fair Success Workshop. The workshop covers marketing yourself to potential employers and maximizing your job search.

Researching Job Fair Employers

Sign in @ www.careercenter.sjsu.edu

• Select Job Fair of interest
• Advanced Search (select your major/degree)
• Positions Recruited
• Title (job description to target resume)
• Click system back button - return to Advanced Search results
• Employer (research employer/majors/degrees)

Employer website links are also available @ www.careercenter.sjsu.edu/research/researching/employerlinks.html


Target your resume
If you want to stand out, target your objective to mention the position you want at each organization. Also, include skills, class projects and work experience that are most relevant to the job you seek.

Check the current Career Center Events and Services brochure for workshops and critique sessions. Books, handouts, and videotapes are also available in the Career Resource Lab in Building F.


Practice presenting yourself:

• Introduce yourself
  Look confident and initiate a handshake with a smile. Demonstrate knowledge of the organization. Employers will also bring short handouts for you to quickly scan before asking questions.
• Prepare a one-minute commercial
  Describe your major, career/internship interests, work experience, extracurricular activities, class projects, and the type of career information or job you are seeking. Show how your background and future goals fit the organization. Prepare a mission statement and then tailor that to each job you seek.

Prepare questions to ask representatives.
Demonstrate your interest and knowledge in their organization by asking relevant and researched questions. Here are a few common yet very important examples:

• I am very interested in the ________position (refer to the Employer List) because__________. Can you tell me more about this position?
• What type of training is available?
• What types of assignments are given to interns or new graduates?
• What do you look for in candidates? What key skills/experiences are highly desirable?
• What is the employment outlook in the field right now?
• Do you have any tips for success in this field?

Note: Do not ask about salary or benefits.

View the videotape "Marketing Yourself for Success," located in the Career Resource Lab, Building F.

Job Seekers

Dress professionally and wear comfortable yet appropriate shoes. Bring your targeted resumes and your calendar for scheduling interviews.

Career Explorers

Bring yourself and lots of good questions.

At the Fair

Take time to target organizations that interest you.

Scan employer handouts and determine if your one-minute commercial will remain the same.

Introduce yourself with a smile and a hand shake. Don't be nervous—many representatives are SJSU alumni and have a personal interest in you!

Give your resume to the representative. Launch into your one-minute commercial. Ask questions.

Ask about the application procedure. A positive attitude pays off! Get a business card or a contact name so you can follow up. Remember not to ask questions about salary and benefits.

Be patient and anticipate lines. (This is where the comfortable shoes come in handy.) Try visiting less crowded organizations first.

After the Fair

Write a note thanking representatives for their time and information. Include another resume and, if requested, any additional information (completed application, recommendations, or transcripts).

Be sure you have activated your Career Center Membership by signing in on-line with the Center so you can check the job listings on the SJSU SpartaJOBS.

Create one or more Search Agents so the SpartaJOBS system can notify you when jobs of interest are received.

Upload your resume for e-resume transmittal.

There are also many other resources available in the Career Resource Lab, Building F.