How to Look Professional at a Career Fair

At a career fair, one of the best first impressions you can make is with your attire. You should always be dressed in business clothes and carry yourself in a professional manner. Unlike dropping off or emailing a resume, you're meeting your prospective employer in person. Follow these steps to look professional at a career fair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wear business casual attire. A suit is not necessary but a nice pair of slacks and a button front shirt will work nicely. It is not a good idea to come dressed for soccer practice or cruising the mall.

2. Carry your resume in a nice folder or briefcase. That way it's within easy reach to hand to a prospective employer. The last thing you want to do is have to dig for your resume and hand a crumpled one to a recruiter.

3. Research the companies that are going to be attending the career fair before you arrive. If you're interviewed by a prospective employer, it will look really professional if you understand what their company does when they ask why you would like to work for them.

4. Sell yourself to the recruiters attending the career fair. Have a small introduction ready when you hand the recruiter your resume. Something along the lines of "Good afternoon. My name is Jane Johnson and I'm currently attending the University of Michigan, majoring in accounting. I'm looking for a career as an accountant for a large firm and would be very interested in talking with you about accounting positions within your company."

5. Show up early. Businesses have to make a lot of adjustments in their schedules to attend these career fairs and may end up leaving early. To look professional it is best not to be the person holding them up from getting to their next scheduled appointment.

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