Arcadia’s Internship and Career Fair is the most attended recruiting event of the year! Organizations from various industries attend the event and provide students and alumni with information about internships and full-time opportunities. Get ready to network and showcase yourself with these 6 tips!
Before the Fair:
1. Do your research
The employer list is the first place to start. Be sure to check the event page regularly as employers will continue to register. As you learn more about the employers, try to select at least a few you want to connect with at the fair, especially the ones that offer career opportunities matching your career interests. It will also be helpful to have a few questions to ask recruiters at the fair.
2. Create and practice your elevator pitch
Practicing self introduction will boost your confidence when approaching recruiters at the event. You can use the example on this guide how to develop a one-minute self-introduction, and modify it based on your needs.
At the Fair
3. Résumé recommended but not required
Students are encouraged to bring their résumés to the fair. But if you don’t have access to a printer, another way is to have your digital résumé ready and ask the recruiter if you can email them after the fair. Also, a folder, a pen, and a bag will come in handy if you need to take notes or receive lots of materials from employers. Many recruiters also like to bring some cool swag to the career fair!
4. Be prepared to talk
Recruiters love meeting with students and alumni, especially those who are prepared. Be ready (and confident) to introduce yourself, listen tentatively, and ask questions. Recruiters may ask you some simple questions, such as what your major is, what jobs you have/had, and what kind of opportunities you are looking for.
After the Fair
5. Connect with employers online
If you have the recruiter’s contact information, send a thank you note within 24 hours. Attach your résumé if didn’t bring a hard copy to the fair. It’s also helpful to connect with the recruiters on LinkedIn and follow the employer on Handshake/LinkedIn so you receive notifications when new positions are posted.
6. Apply to positions
If you are interested in the positions you learned about at the fair, submit your applications ASAP. Feel free to let the recruiters know what positions you applied for in your thank-you email. If you need more time to prepare your application, save the jobs online and apply before the deadlines.
You don’t have to do this alone! Bring a classmate or a friend, and you don’t have to stay at the fair the entire time. Business casual attire is recommended. But if you don’t have time to get changed, casual clothes are just fine!
The OCE is her to help you! Having a plan will make it easy for you to navigate the event and get the most out of the fair. Take advantage of the service and resources offered by the OCE such as our Career Launchpad and appointments with the OCE to get ready for the career fairs!
