Each semester, Human Ecology partners with other schools/colleges across campus to host an all-majors Career & Internship Fair (virtual and in-person) for students looking for internships or post-graduate jobs.
How to prepare:
Before the career fair
During the career fair
After the career fair
Before the career fair
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Update your resume
Your resume should be the best reflection of your skills and experiences for the jobs/internships you’re looking for.
- Use the SoHE career guide for your major to help you craft a quality resume!
- Get your resume reviewed by a career advisor at drop-in career advising, through our electronic document review service, or at a resume review clinic event.
- Be sure to bring paper copies of your resume to the career fair!
Update your Handshake profile
Be sure your Handshake profile is up-to-date. This will especially be important for students attending the virtual fair as employers will have access to your profile during your remote meetings!
- Check that basics are accurate: graduation date, school year, major, GPA, and work authorization.
- Select job types, locations, and roles that interest you, so recruiters know which jobs and internships are a good fit for you.
- Add your courses, skills, and any previous work experience.
Practice your elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a quick synopsis about yourself for a prospective employer. It’s called an elevator pitch because it’s meant to be brief enough to deliver convincingly during a quick elevator ride.
Develop your career fair game plan
- For in-person fairs, make a list of the employers you’d like to stop by to chat with by checking the fair pages on Handshake.
- Research the employers on Handshake/online and understand what they’re hiring for.
- Prepare a list of questions to keep the conversation going.
- For a virtual fair through Handshake, you’ll want to do the same as you would for the in-person fairs, but you’ll also need to register for and schedule your chats with employers through Handshake. Here’s how.
During the career fair
Make a Lasting Impression!
- Dress Code: You do not need to go out and buy a business suit, but dress nicely for the job you want! Don’t wear jeans, leggings, or t-shirts. Consider nicer pants, dresses/skirts, button down shirts or sweaters, and shoes you can comfortably walk in.
- Remember to smile and make eye contact!
- Ask questions directly, politely, and concisely. Use your research and ask questions that you can’t find directly on the employer’s website.
- After the conversation, ask the employer what the next steps are if you are interested in the organization/job.They will let you know if they’d like your resume then or if you should apply online.
- Also, ask for a business card or their contact info, so you can correspond after the fair!
After the career fair
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Send a follow up email
When you show up to a career fair, they just give you a job, right? If only it were that easy. While career fairs serve up great introductions to companies, recruiters, and career paths you may choose to follow, it’s still on you to leave a lasting impression that inches you ever-so-closer to landing a real interview—and a great job!
Click here for 3 Steps to Writing the Perfect Follow Up Email
Apply, interview, and get the job or internship!
Be sure to closely follow directions given by the employer on how to apply for the role. You may be asked to apply on Handshake or the organization’s website. If selected for an interview, follow these tips:
- Practice makes perfect! Practicing is the best preparation for an interview. We recommend using Big Interview, a free online interview practice tool.
- You can also schedule an appointment with your career advisor for a mock interview.
- If you have a phone or virtual interview, schedule a quiet space in Nancy Nicholas Hall!