Genscape’s HR team has attended a number of career fairs as an employer and have found it be an incredibly valuable experience when it comes to identifying new talent and building our brand. It is so great to meet new candidates face to face and for both sides to get a better sense of each other. However, in a lot of cases, we notice that potential candidates and students are not properly prepared for the fair and tend to go in blind when it comes to who the companies in attendance are and what information they want to learn. This lack of preparation is something we want to help fix! As a student it is crucial to take advantage of career fairs and make a positive impression on potential employers – thus this blog post!
When it comes to preparing for a career fair, first consider: Why am I going at all?
Career Fairs (when approached in the right way) can be an excellent way to meet multiple potential employers for little to no cost and help to figure out which is best for you. Networking is KEY and you want to SEE and BE SEEN. Career Fairs are a great way to get information on specific industries, career options and companies – you can also get some great advice directly from the source!
So, how do you best prepare for the fair and get the most out of your time spent there? Here are the Genscape Recruitment Team’s “6 Key Career Fair Tips”!
STEP ONE: Always do your research!
We cannot stress how important this is. What companies will be there? What do they do? What jobs do they have open and advertised? Which companies and jobs are you interested in learning more about? Know this information and use it! Narrow down which companies you want to talk to and which jobs you want to learn more about.
STEP TWO: Print multiple copies of your resume.
This seems like a given, but many students show up without their resume in tow! As noted in our “Top 5 Interview Blunders” blog, proofread that resume! The resume is another first impression you want to nail!
STEP THREE: Formulate a Plan
Now that you have done your research on what companies will be there and what job openings they have available. Ask yourself, “How does this information compare to where my interests lie?” Based on that answer, narrow down the list of companies that you want to target (sort by location, industry, jobs that you want). Career Fairs can get chaotic, know which company you want to speak to and focus in on them.
STEP FOUR:Prepare the Details!
What impression do you want to make on these employers? = A good one!
- Prepare your elevator pitch! This should be a 60-second run down stating your name, when you graduate, your major and background, 1-2 strengths and goals that align with the employer’s requirements and a question to keep the conversation moving.
- Plan your attire – always dress business professional.
- Bring with you: A folder with your resumes & a place to store collected business cards and other company swag that you may pick up along the way (Do NOT come across as unorganized. If your hands are too full to shake someone’s hand, you will not be giving your best impression).
- Make sure to have intelligent questions prepared. You want to show the employers that you have done your research and that you have an interest in them. They WILL remember this. We do at Genscape!
STEP FIVE: Know what NOT to do:
- Don’t flaunt your lack of knowledge on the company
- Don’t approach a booth just for the swag!
- Don’t try to go to every single booth
- Don’t forget that this is a time to add a personality to your resume!
- DON’T ask things like “Do you have jobs for people like me” or “What do you do?” – Yikes! Those questions are the worst - We cannot stress this one enough!
STEP SIX: Follow up via email and attach a soft copy of your resume
In closing, take advantage of career fairs and treat the day like mini interviews. We (recruiters and companies) love to meet students, talk about our business and make connections with future employees. There is nothing better than a student who gives a firm handshake, a prepared elevator pitch (even if you are nervous, don’t worry! Even trying makes a great impression), does their homework, is enthusiastic and presents professionally. Those students are the ones who stand out amongst the pack!
We’re always looking for passionate, motivated people to join the Genscape team. Interested in working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment in locations across the world? Check out our careers page for your next opportunity!