Things You'll Need:
- Professional clothing
- Short speech about yourself
- Résumé
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Step 1
Dress in your best suit or casual working attire to make a good first impression. While you may carry a great résumé and have solid credentials, employers often make an assumption about your abilities based on their first impression. Instructors at Portland Community College advise job seekers to dress conservatively and avoid low-cut or tight-fitting tops and short skirts. While you want to stand out, you don't want to be remembered for being garish or inappropriately dressed.
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Step 2
Research the companies that will be exhibiting at the job fair so you can impress employers with your knowledge of the company. Study the history of your top companies and learn the names of their CEOs and top managers and what kinds of products and services they provide. Knowing where the companies stand in relation to the competition also can provide fodder for intelligent conversation while giving you an idea of possible opportunities.
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Step 3
Prepare a one-minute introduction speech about yourself and your qualifications. Include a sentence or two about your goals and the kind of job you are seeking. By being prepared with what is often referred to as an "elevator speech," you won't have to spoil your first impression by mumbling and faltering.
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Step 4
Carry yourself with confidence. Look recruiters in the eye and shake hands firmly. Stand erect with your shoulders back and smile. Think of something that makes you happy as you move from booth to booth to maintain the gleam in your eye. Employers see a smile as a sign of a positive attitude and self-confident demeanor.
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Step 5
Talk to recruiters by yourself even if you attend the job fair with friends. Southwest Minnesota State University career services advises students who are job-hunting at fairs to approach recruiters solo and with enthusiasm. Give the recruiter your complete attention and make sure your cellphone is turned off.
