How to Work a Job Fair

1. How to Work a Job Fair Sponsored by Job Fair Jump-Start Provided by the Career Center

2. What’s a BSU job fair like?

3. Before the Job Fair Prepare • Research the list of employers. • Fall Career Fair • Cardinal Job Fair • Create an “elevator speech.”

4. Before the Job Fair Prepare • Prepare your résumé. • Develop short answers to the “typical” interview questions. • Prepare your interview attire. • http://www.bsu.edu/careers/students/interviewing/dressing/

5. During the Job Fair • Arrive early . . . stay as late as possible. • Follow a “floor map“ strategy. • Wear professional clothing.

6. During the Job Fair • Approach each table. • Deliver your elevator speech. • Answer and ask questions. • Gather company materials. • Ask about next steps. • Thank the employer.

7. After the Job Fair • Review, record, and follow through. • Send thank-you notes (especially after an interview). • Continue to follow up.

8. Resources for the Search • Career and Experiential Learning Lab • Lucina Hall 235 • Bracken Library • www.bsu.edu/library • Click on “databases” • Business Source Premier • LexisNexis Academic - Business

9. Resources for the Search • Career Center Web site • http://www.bsu.edu/careers/ • Links to Explore • http://www.bsu.edu/careers/students/links/ • Cardinal Career Link • http://www.bsu.edu/careers/viewjobs/ • Quintcareers.com • http://www.quintcareers.com/career_fair_resources.html

10. Key Attributes for Successful Job Seekers • First impressions at career fairs and campus interviews • Demonstrate good communication skills • Experience (internships, jobs) • Awards, honors, scholarships • Outside activities and leadership • Grades

11. Opportunitieswith

12. Questions? • Evaluation