Job Fair Do's and Don'ts

Overview: Job fairs are an efficient way for job seekers - especially at the entry level - to become exposed to a variety of potential employers in a short period of time. Here are some tips about how to maximize the effectiveness of your visit to your next job fair.

Do

• Familiarize yourself with the companies that will be there. Have a game plan for who you want to talk to, and hit them first while you're still fresh.
• Get there early. Recruiters tend to remember the first and the last candidates best, but since they'll be tired at the end of the day and may have to leave early to catch a plan, first is better than last.
• Bring plenty of resumes. Also bring information not on your resume that you may need to fill out an employment application (addresses and phone numbers of former employers, high school, etc.)
• Dress professionally. A suit is always appropriate, but younger job seekers can get away with "business casual" attire. Never shorts, tee-shirts, flip-flops, tank tops, etc.
• Rehearse a 30-60 second "sales pitch" about who you are and what kind of job you are looking for.
• Stand up straight, offer a firm handshake and look the recruiter in the eye. Be enthusiastic and confident, but not cocky.
• Get business cards so you can follow up on the jobs that interest you. Recruiters typically expect a letter or phone call to show you are interested in an interview.

Don't

• Bring a backpack, huge purse, skateboard, laptop or other bulky item with you. Carry a professional looking portfolio or small briefcase that will keep your resumes neat and give you quick access to them, and give you a place to put business cards and literature.
• Cruise the fair with a bunch of your friends. Go alone, or split up.
• Bring cover letters, letters of references, portfolios, transcripts and the like, unless this is the kind of job fair where they conduct actual interviews.
• Monopolize the recruiter's time. This not an interview. Asking too many basic questions about the company shows you are too lazy to do your own research. Making small talk with the recruiters makes you look frivolous.
• Say "anything" or "I don't know" when asked what type of position you are seeking.
• Ask about salary or benefits.
• Just concentrate on the "big name" employers. There are often great opportunities with companies with which you are not familiar.