The Career Center expects a record number of recruiters and companies at its Fall 2017 Career Fairs.
The General Interest and Business Career Fair will be held on Sept. 27, and the Technical and Engineering Career Fair is scheduled for Sept. 28. Both fairs will be held at Coleman Coliseum from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The following list of do’s and dont’s are to give you the best chance of success during your Career Fair visits, and in future networking situations. More resources can be found on career.ua.edu.
A Handshake Account
- Do log in to your Handshake account. With your Handshake account, you can RSVP for the Career Fair, research attending companies, access a calendar of events including employer information events and on-campus interviews, and much more.
It’s All About Preparation
- Do prepare. Employers will expect you to know something about their organization.
- Check the list of participants and identify organizations of interest to you. Research the websites of these employers.
- Be open to talking with a variety of employers if you think you might fit in their organization.
Your Resume
- Do put effort into your resume. Review these resume tips and have a Career Center staffer critique your resume.
- Using quality resume paper, print enough copies for the employers you know you want to meet, as well as a few extras for the employers you may decide to speak with that day.
Your Attire
- Do dress for success. The serious job-seeker should wear business attire. Learn what is recommended in order to make the best impression. To save money, consider bargain racks and consignment shops, or take advantage of the Crimson Career Closet, which lends interview attire to students for free.
- Don’t wear wrinkled, dirty, ill-fitting or revealing clothing; jeans or any denim clothing; or casual shoes.
- Don’t display tattoos or piercings.
- Wear minimal jewelry, if any, and no perfume or cologne.
That First Impression
- Do make a good impression. Speak clearly and maintain eye contact. Practice your handshake, and position your name tag on your right, so recruiters can see your name while shaking your hand.
- Focus on having a good conversation and offer your resume before leaving a recruiter’s table.
- Remember the name of the recruiter with whom you speak, which is important for follow-up.
- Wait until a freebie is offered instead of taking one yourself.
Your Pitch
- Do use keywords: make brief keyword notes about what you want to discuss with each employer.
- Do practice your pitch, a brief statement of what you’re looking for in a job or career.
- Don’t sound stiff.
Time Management
- Do make the most efficient use of your time. Several students may be waiting to speak to one recruiter. Do you have time to wait patiently? If not, move to another on your list and return to that table later.
- Don’t monopolize the recruiter’s time.