How to Prepare:
Do your homework
It is important to know about the companies that you are interested in talking to. Knowing the company and its mission and products will help you to ask recruiters more specific and relevant questions.
Prepare for questions
Recruiters will want to know why you are interested in their company. Looking into a company and their products will show recruiters that you really are interested.
You may be asked to tell the recruiters about yourself. You should consider additing additional infoormation that may not be listed on your resume. -- Consider preparing an elevator speech.
Have a project or examples of your work that you can reference.
Be prepared to explain how you accomplished something.
You may be asked why you are a good fit for the company.
Be flexible
In the situation that a position is no longer open, ask about other opportunities within the company. You can express your interest in the company as a whole and discuss career paths. You can also discuss research that the company is involved in.
Prepare your Resume/CV
Bring multiple copies of your current resume/CV. Please keep in mind that not all companies will be able to take copies of your resume.
The University Career Center can review or help you create a resume.
Prioritize which employers you would like to talk with
There are typically lines to meet with recruiters. If you can only attend the career fair for a short period of time, plan out which companies you would like to meet with the most. Be prepared to re-evaluate your plan if certain lines are longer than expected.
What to Wear:
To make a good impression, please dress in Business Casual Attire. You will want to avoid jeans, clothing with holes, graphic tees, shorts, flip-flops and casual sandals.
The University Career Center has a Clothing Closet that students are invited to browse and take items home.
What to Avoid:
Avoid questions like "What does your company have to offer me?" and "What does your company do?"
Avoid vague answers. When asked a question, employers are often looking for examples.
Avoid yes or no questions. When asking a recruiter questions, try to focus on open-ended questions that will encourage dialogue.
Avoid personal or family life stories.
General Tips:
Be prepared for behavioral questions as well as technical questions.
Be yourself, be personable, and smile.
Speak up.
Make eye contact.
