Attending a career fair for the first time can be overwhelming, but with these helpful tips and practice, you will be ready to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Having realistic expectations about a career fair is necessary for getting the most out of the event
- Employers expect you to be prepared (have a polished resume, dress professionally, research the companies in advance, etc.).
- You have less than 60 seconds to make a positive first impression on the recruiter.
- Your goal should be to secure an interview—not a job offer. Most recruiters are not prepared or even authorized to hire a candidate on-the-spot.
- Don’t be alarmed if the recruiter recommends or even requires you to apply on their website. In some cases, they may not even take a paper copy of your resume. They are not blowing you off; it is simply their company’s policy.