Your first job fair can be very intimidating. You’re not sure what you’re doing. All you want to say is, “I need a job,” but you must have a conversation first, learn to network, and make an excellent first impression. To help prepare, here are four tips for your next job fair.
STEP 1: Research the Employers
Employers are very impressed when you know a little bit about the company and what they do. It shows you are prepared and forward-thinking. Go with an open mind and be willing to learn about a variety of organizations. Career Fairs offer the chance to learn about many organizations and opportunities in a short time frame – take advantage of the opportunities to engage.
STEP 2: Research Current Job Listings
Once you have researched some employers, review their job listings, and make some notes about why you’re interested in specific jobs. Employers want to know how you can help their company and how you stand out from other candidates. Develop an elevator pitch to help introduce yourself. It’s your chance to make yourself memorable and form a connection with the employer. After the job fair, you can connect with them on LinkedIn. Be sure to include some details about your conversation that will help them remember you. You can also grow your professional connections by using your Alumni Network, it’s one of the best resources after graduating from UIS.
STEP 3: Create Your Resume
The easiest way to create a resume is to use a template. You will list your education, past work experience, any extracurriculars with relevant experience, and other special skills. List your experiences from most recent to oldest. Start each bullet point with a different action word and try to limit yourself to 3-5 bullet points per experience. You can even use Chat GPT to help you start your rough draft. To review your resume or cover letter, you can attend career suite drop-in hours at the Career Development Center.
STEP 4: Dress to Impress
At UIS, job fairs are business casual, but always wear clothes that make you feel confident and professional. Some general guidelines for business casual attire can be found here. Business casual for men means collared shirts, which could include a tie. Ties and suit jackets are not required, though. Business casual for women means tailored shirts, blouses or sweaters with conservative cuts and minimal sparkles. All genders should avoid jeans, tight pants and sneakers. If you sweat when nervous, wear dark clothing. Check out the Career Closet in the UIS Career Center or the Affirmation Station in the Diversity Center for some free clothing options.
If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin.
—Ivan Turgenev
Attending job fairs, participating in interviews, and talking to employers will get easier with practice. However, job fairs are only one place to find a job. You can also find jobs on LinkedIn, Handshake, ZipRecruiter, or individual companies’ job boards. The Career Toolbox outlines a variety of resources and tools that can help support your career planning efforts.
Career Connections Expo
Ready to find your next job opportunity? Make plans to attend our upcoming Career Connections Expo on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at The Recreation & Athletic Center (TRAC). This is a free event that does not require pre-registration for current UIS students, alumni, and the greater Springfield community.
CONTACT
Career Development Center
- Office Location: HRB 80
- Email: careerservices@uis.edu