Career Fair Prep

What to Expect

• It will be crowded and loud.
• Be prepared to walk a lot; Stay hydrated.
• There will be lines; be sure to budget your time efficiently.

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Before the Fair

• Research Employers.
  • Know what the company/employer does.
  • Know what positions they are hiring.
• Be sure your application materials are career fair ready.
  • Meet with a CAS Career Consultant to review your Resume and CV's.
  • Build multiple resumes to cater to different employers.
• Prepare other materials.
  • If you don't have professional attire, go to your local thrift store.
  • OSU offers discounted business cards and padfolios to students.
• Create your Elevator Pitch, aka Professional Introduction.

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Why Do You Need an Elevator Pitch?

• 50% of employers make hiring decisions in the first 5 - 10 minutes.
• 5% make their decision in under 5 minutes.
• Outside of "Experience," the main reasons students are hired are:
  • Level of Enthusiasm
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Confidence
  • Personal "Brand"
  • Networking Skills

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a compelling introduction about who you are, what you want to do, and why it matters. It lasts less than 60 seconds, and it is a way to begin a conversation with a recruiter.

Breakdown

• 30 seconds or less
• "Self-centered" but focused on employer
• Formal Introduction
  • Name
  • Firm handshake (if allowed)
  • Major/graduation date
  • Desired industry
• 1-2 relevant experiences
• Demonstrates research of employer

Delivery

• Face the employer directly.
• Avoid "barriers" between you and the employer.
  • Closed postures
• Maintain direct, comfortable eye contact.
• Speak first.
• Offer a firm, polite handshake.
• Deliver your pitch.

Maintaining Conversation

• Allow the employer an equal opportunity to speak.
• Your Non-Verbal language matters.
  • S - face the employer squarely
  • O - maintain an open posture
  • L - lean slightly into the employer
  • E - maintain eye contact
  • R - stay relaxed and avoid fidgeting
• Use "Non-Verbal Encouragers."
  • Ok
  • I see what you're saying.
• Ask only questions you genuinely want to know the answers to, but avoid topics like:
  • Salary/benefits
  • Questions about other candidates
  • Personal questions
  • What does this company do?
• Ask the employer for their business card or contact information.

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During the Career Fair

What to Bring

• Resume (10 or more copies)
• Padfolio or folder to carry your documents
• Student business cards (optional)
• Multiple pens
• Breath mints

*Students can purchase padfolios and business cards here.

 

Tips for Success

• Use the Career Fair Plus App to know which employers will be at the fair, what they are hiring for, and where they will be located.
• Try to only wait in lines of two attendees. If a wait looks too long, come back later. Those four hours go faster than you'd think!
• Leave the employer you are interested in the most for last so you can practice talking with other recruiters first.
• Some employers will extend invitations to interview, so be sure to know your schedule.
• You will learn many names and do your best to remember them.
• Keep a name journal with you to write down recruiters’ names/contacts.

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After the Fair

Thank You Emails and Follow-Ups

According to employers, one of the biggest career fair mistakes is taking too long to follow up or not following up at all.

• Follow up with a thank you email or card within 24 hours.

Try to hit these points when writing the thank you email:

• Who you are.
• Where you met the recruiter.
• What were your takeaways from your conversation.
• How to contact you.
• How you can move forward in the hiring process.