How Can I Get the Most Out of A Career Fair?
The key to utilizing career fairs effectively is coming to them prepared. Prior to a career
fair, you should research employers of interest to you, familiarize yourself with their
requirements, and assess the skills you have that meet their needs. In addition, you
should plan to bring extra copies of your resume to the career fair, dress in business attire,
and plan to attend at a strategic time of day.
Researching Employers
One of the complaints employers at career fairs have is that participants do not know
enough about their company. Questions such as “What does your company do?” waste
valuable one on one contact with the recruiter and demonstrate a lack of knowledge about
the company which translates as a lack of interest to the employer. Obtain a list of
employers planning to attend the career fair as soon as it is available. Employers
attending Oakland University Career Fairs are usually posted on the Career Services web
site 2 - 4 weeks prior to the event. To research employers, surf the web and see if the
company has a web site. Most companies maintain web sites that provide valuable
insight into the company. The human resources division will often have its own section
and list employment opportunities complete with job descriptions. Also, conduct a
periodical search. Articles written about companies provide even more information about
the employer, and recruiters may ask if you are familiar with the piece.
Employers without web sites will often provide materials directly to us. These are
available in the Career Services Department along with reference books that focus on
specific industries. Some of these reference books profile companies individually and
will provide you with a basic outline of their purpose.
Finally, call the company and ask for a copy of their annual report if it is available. This
information, along with the others mentioned above, can provide you with the knowledge
to make yourself stand out from other participants attending the career fair.
Expressing Your Qualifications to the Employer
After completing your research on a company, you should have a good idea of what
qualities and skills they are seeking in their applicants. In some cases, you may be aware
of specific qualifications sought due to job descriptions provided. When greeting the
employer, offer a firm handshake and introduce yourself. Be specific about the type of
position you’re interested in at the company and provide a few examples of skills and
experiences you have that make you an excellent candidate. Ask the recruiter pertinent
questions about the position and the company, and feel free to reference any of your
research on the employer. Spend enough time with the employer to make an impression
and express yourself appropriately but try not to monopolize their time. When closing
your discussion, provide the recruiter with a copy of your resume, ask for their business
card, and thank them for their time. Be sure to pick up any materials that the employer
has provided for you to take.
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How Can I Get the Most Out Of A Career Fair? (continued)
Who Should Attend?
Any student or alumni wishing to learn more about a particular profession should attend a
career fair. While most employers come to make contacts with students or alumni
seeking full time positions, many employers are also interested in students seeking
internship or experiential education opportunities. Even if you are not in the market for a
job, networking with employers at career fairs can assist you in making key contacts in
your profession for future job searches and can assist you in learning more about fields
that interest you.
The Day of the Career Fair
Be sure to dress in business attire and bring extra copies of your resume and references or
writing samples, if applicable, in a nice folder. Leave your coat and backpack outside the
room if possible. Carry with you a professional bag, briefcase or folder with your
resumes. Bring paper and a pen as well to take notes on the companies and organizations
attending the fair.
Try to obtain a floor plan of the career fair prior to the event. Locate the organizations
you want to speak with and choose the order in which you want to visit them and
determine the amount of time you have to spend with each one. Be flexible with your
planning. Some employers may have longer lines of people waiting to speak with them
than others. Skip those organizations and come back later. Try to visit the fair early in
the day when it is usually less crowded. Avoid the busy lunchtime hour as well as late
afternoon. Some employers may leave early. If you only have a small amount of time to
spend at a career fair, advance planning can maximize your visit.
After the Career Fair
Following the career fair, contact any employers as appropriate to your interaction with
them at the event. You may want to write “thank you” letters to recruiters that you met
during the day, especially if you spent a considerable amount of time speaking with them.
Upcoming Career Fairs:
Check under "Upcoming Events" on the Career Services home page.
www.oakland.edu/careerservices
Compiled by:
Judy M. Robinson
Assistant Director
Career Services
275 Vandenberg Hall West
Oakland University
248-370-3250