Job Fair Interview Tips

Dress the part when attending a job fair.

Job fairs provide a venue for networking that can land you an interview and possibly a job offer. When attending a job fair, preparation is the key for success. If you make an effort to prepare yourself before meeting with prospective employers, you appear more marketable and interesting, thus increasing your chances of getting an interview.

Personal Appearance

Dress appropriately for the event. Men should wear a conservative, well-fitting suit and tie, and women should wear business attire in the form of a tailored jacket and skirt or a pantsuit. Business casual attire may be appropriate for some job fairs. If in doubt, contact the sponsors of the job fair and ask what type of attire is appropriate. If in doubt, dress in a business suit.

Resume

Create an easy-to-read, well-organized resume without graphics or uncommon font. One-page resumes are easiest to read, but include all relevant experience. Be prepared to speak about the experience listed on your resume and give concrete examples of how you are qualified for a position within a company.

Research

Research the companies represented at the job fair before attending. Or, arrive early and pick up promotional materials that are available from each employer. Take a few moments to look over the materials and familiarize yourself with the prospective employers. Knowing facts about each company will help you formulate intelligent questions to ask the representatives. You may be asked why you are interested in working for a company. If you know nothing about what a company does, then you can't provide a knowledgeable answer.

First Impression

Make eye contact, introduce yourself and shake the representative's hand. Ask questions that will help you sell yourself and your skills such as "What skills are you looking for in a sales associate?" Listen to the skills desired and talk about one of your past positions and how you implemented such skills. Keep your dialogue clear and to the point. Avoid digressions and long-winded explanations. Request an interview politely by expressing interest in a position with the company and asking for the next steps to secure an interview. Ask for a business card from the person so you can follow up. Thank the representative for her time.

Follow Up

Hand write a thank-you note to the representatives that you met. Thank each person for his time and consideration and restate why you think you would make a good fit for the position that is offered. Include your full name, phone number and email address to make contact more convenient.

References

• Access 2 Employment: Interview Tips
• St. Louis Diversity Job Fair: Interview Tips
• Job Star San Diego: Guerilla Tactics for Job Fairs