Going to the Career Fair? - Here's our advice

Seeing as the career fair was coming up for most college students, Paul Rinaldi, Sam Wiskirchen, and I wanted to compile a list of tips and tricks with the goal of helping you make the most of your potential opportunities.

After surveying people from multiple different backgrounds and perspectives who have created success in their search here is what we came up with.

MINDSET

• Go - The whole reason you are going to college and getting a degree is so you can get a job. Go! Go! Go!
• Enjoy the experience and have fun - Doesn't matter if you're a freshman or a senior looking for the big gig. These are phenomenal growth and learning experiences.
• Don't limit your opportunities or companies - There are so many potential opportunities that can be opened trough simple conversations. Don't handicap yourself.
• Be positive and enthusiastic - Companies and their employees are not interested in your negativity. Bring the energy!
• Know your stock - Know what you're good at, know what you're looking for, and know where you want to go long term. Know what you put on your resume!

PREPARATION

• Research ahead of time - Research the companies you like, positions you want, and where they are located inside the career fair. Proper preparation prevents poor performance.
• Apply to the position you want before you go - Apply to the role you want to show interest in the company and have a conversation about it with the company rep.
• Practice your elevator pitch - Have your elevator pitch memorized and easy articulated. Have a friend help you with this. That way you can be calm, confident, and concise.
• Prepare different copies of your resumes - Not only should you have a general copy of your resume available, but you should have a tailored copy for each and every company you have interest in. Tailor your objective statement and relevant courses for these.

EXECUTION

• Get the nerves out early - Talk to a few companies you aren't interested in first to get yourself in a groove.
• Take interest and engage - Take interest in the person you are talking too and engage in quality conversation with them by asking good questions.
• Network with more then just the companies - Whether it's alumni, upperclassmen, or faculty, the more relationships you can make the more doors you may be able to open. Be open minded.
• Take notes AFTER the conversation - To make sure you have a genuine conversation wait to take notes until after you have a conversation with the company.
• Be grateful - Shake their hand and thank the person you are talking to. If you get a business card or point of contact be sure to send a follow up email.

Best of luck to anyone who is going out there and creating new opportunities in their career fair! Hope our experiences help you on your journey!

S/O to Jennifer Abing, and Nicholas Hennigan for adding to the conversation!

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