Career Fairs are a great chance to explore different opportunities.

Here are a few Tips on How to Handle a Career Fair.

Be Confident as You Approach Each Employer
The purpose of a Career Fair is for students and employers to meet and exchange information. Don't hesitate in your approach! Take the initiative and introduce yourself. Walking and introducing yourself to a recruiter may be uncomfortable, and you may feel awkward and unsure about how to begin a conversation. However, recognize that, as in any new situation, first impression begins with the moment you approach an employer. Make that moment count!

Walk up confidently, say hello, introduce yourself, and shake the representative's hand. Be sure to establish eye contact and smile. Make a general statement about yourself, such as, "I am Salina Smith. I'm a senior at Westminster College majoring in Psychology. I would like to know more about career opportunities with XYZ company." You can also state what particularly interests you about their organization. The more recruiters you speak with, the more skilled you will become at these first introductions.

Dress Professionally
You will succeed in creating the impression that you are serious about your future employment opportunities if you dress in appropriate business attire. Even if the recruiters are more casually dressed, it is recommended to dress in "business" attire, or "business casual."

Bring Enough Resumes
With so many organizations being represented at Career Fairs, having enough resumes to last through the day is essential. The resume should be well written, follow established resume development guidelines, and printed on quality paper.

Send Follow-Up Letters
Ask for a business card before you leave an employer. This will ensure that you have the proper name and address of the representative with whom you spoke.

Send a thank you letter within a week of the event. This should be a formal, typed, business letter on quality paper. Be sure to remind each recruiter that you met him/her at the Career Fair, including brief statement about your interests/background, and that you appreciate having the opportunity to discuss career opportunities with him/her. You may also wish to include another copy of your resume.

Use Your Time Effectively
There will be a list of organizations in attendance prior to the Career Fair. Research the organizations before you introduce yourself to the recruiters so you will be able to ask intelligent questions - and respond to any questions with confidence.

Make a list of the organization representatives you want to meet. Prioritize them. Don't meet with your top choices first. Try out your greeting and introduction on two or three which are nearer the bottom of your list so you will have a chance to overcome any nervousness before you approach your top choices.

Remember
Be polite and wait for other students to finish talking before introducing yourself to an employer. Smile, be confident, and most of all be yourself!

Upcoming Career Fairs

	January 30, 2013		Washington University Spring 2013 Internship & Job Career Fair 3:00-7:00 p.m. Washington University Athletic Complex Details
	February 1-3, 2013		University of Northern Iowa Overseas Recruiting Fair Details
	February 7, 2013		University of Missouri Spring Business Career Fair 10:00-3:00 p.m. University of Missouri Hearnes Center Concourse Email CareerSrv for details
	February 20, 2013		St. Louis University Career & Graduate School Fair 12:00-4:00 p.m. St. Louis University BSC - Wool Ballrooms Details
	February 21, 2013		Central Methodist University Career EXPO 2013 10:00-1:30 p.m. Details
	February 26, 2013		Westminster College Career EXPO 2013 10:30-1:30 p.m. Westminster College Mueller Student Activity Center Details
	February 26, 2013		Missouri State University Career EXPO 2013 1:00-5:00 p.m. Missouri State University JQH Arena Details
	February 27, 2013		Bender Virtual Career Fair Employment for People with Disabilities Details
	March 5, 2013		William Woods University Career Fair 10:00-1:00 p.m. William Woods Helen Stephens Complex Details
	March 5, 2013		University of Kansas Education Interview Day 2013 8:30-3:00 p.m. University of Kansas - Kansas Union Details
	March 6, 2013		Columbia College 2013 Career Fair 2:00-5:00 p.m. Columbia College Southwell Gymnasium Details
	March 8, 2013		University of Missouri-St. Louis Spring Internship & Job Fair 10:00-2:00 p.m. University of Missouri-St. Louis Mark Twain Building Details
	March 9, 2013		Kansas City Public Schools 9:00-12:00 p.m. Paseo Academy Details
	April 5, 2013		University of Missouri-St. Louis Education Career Fair 2013 10:00-2:00 p.m. University of Missouri-St. Louis Mark Twain Building Details
	April 9, 2013		Missouri State University Education Day 2013 10:00-1:00 p.m. Missouri State University JQH Arena Details

Westminster College	Academics	About Us	Admissions	College Relations	Online Tools
501 Westminster Ave	Majors and Minors	Careers at Westminster	How to Apply	News and Events	Webmail
Fulton, MO 65251	Registrar's Office	Campus Map	Tuition and Fees	National Recognition	MyWC
1.800.888.WCMO(9266)	Academic Calendar	Faculty/Staff Directory	Quick Facts	For the Media	Moodle
E-mail Westminster College	Academic Catalog	Offices and Services	Find Your Counselor	Alumni Events	Online HelpDesk
Find us on Facebook at Westminster College MO	Library	Local Information	Upcoming Events	Make a Gift	Columns CareerLink
Find us on Facebook at Westminster College MO	Faculty/Staff Directory	Consumer Information		Lectures and Speeches	Report Service Hours
		Fast Facts		Live Streaming	MyVoice
					Sign In