Cleveland State University || Career Services Center -- Career Events

How to Work a Career Fair

Recruiters are often swamped with students eagerly awaiting to hear about the job opportunities available. It can be overwhelming to a student who is new at "working a career fair". Below are questions you can ask at Career Day and some helpful hints that may take the stress out of the event.

Questions You Can Ask at Career Day:

1. Would you please tell me about your company?
2. What positions do you offer a _______ major?
3. What are typical job assignments for _________ majors?
4. What characteristics do you think are most important for this work?
5. How would you describe your work environment?
6. Do you hire co-op students or interns?
7. Are you accepting resumes?
8. Are there opportunities to travel or relocate?
9. What was your major in college?
10. How did you get the job you have now?
11. How does the hiring process work in your company?
12. Are there part-time or summer jobs available?
13. What you like most about your work? Least?
14. Can you tell me who the _________ manager is (Marketing, Communications, Engineering, Accounting, Training, Sales, etc.)
15. What advice do you have for someone like me?

Helpful Hints

Dress like you mean business.
Arrive early.
Bring plenty of resumes that are printed on good quality paper. Have a professional or friend to proof it to avoid mistakes.
Review the list of companies before you walk in to get an idea of who is there and who you would like to speak to.
Be focused, but flexible. Be ready to talk about your plans.
Be assertive! Go up and talk to the recruiters - don't expect them to always approach you.
Introduce yourself with a firm handshake.
If your hands are sweaty...wipe them off first!
Maintain eye contact.
Relax! Smile! Have confidence in yourself!
Ask them to explain what their company does and look for ways that you would fit in.
If you really want to make a good first impression, follow-up with a brief not to the recruiters who you would really like to speak to again.


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Career Services Home CSU Students Graduating Students Alumni Employers CSUcareerline.com Clevelandintern.net Cooperative Education LINK Program America Reads Biotechnology Project Springboard Third Frontier Choosing a Career Career Search Strategies Career Websites Career Courses Career Events Interviewing Career Store Satellite Office Info Career Services Staff Mailing Address Cleveland State University Career Services Center 2121 Euclid Avenue Rhodes Tower West 280 Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 Campus Location Rhodes Tower West 280 Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: 216.687.2233 Fax: 216.687.9313 careers@csuohio.edu Web Content Contact John Scanlan j.scanlan@csuohio.edu 216.687.2233	How to Work a Career Fair Recruiters are often swamped with students eagerly awaiting to hear about the job opportunities available. It can be overwhelming to a student who is new at "working a career fair". Below are questions you can ask at Career Day and some helpful hints that may take the stress out of the event. Questions You Can Ask at Career Day: 1. Would you please tell me about your company? 2. What positions do you offer a _______ major? 3. What are typical job assignments for _________ majors? 4. What characteristics do you think are most important for this work? 5. How would you describe your work environment? 6. Do you hire co-op students or interns? 7. Are you accepting resumes? 8. Are there opportunities to travel or relocate? 9. What was your major in college? 10. How did you get the job you have now? 11. How does the hiring process work in your company? 12. Are there part-time or summer jobs available? 13. What you like most about your work? Least? 14. Can you tell me who the _________ manager is (Marketing, Communications, Engineering, Accounting, Training, Sales, etc.) 15. What advice do you have for someone like me? Helpful Hints Dress like you mean business. Arrive early. Bring plenty of resumes that are printed on good quality paper. Have a professional or friend to proof it to avoid mistakes. Review the list of companies before you walk in to get an idea of who is there and who you would like to speak to. Be focused, but flexible. Be ready to talk about your plans. Be assertive! Go up and talk to the recruiters - don't expect them to always approach you. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake. If your hands are sweaty...wipe them off first! Maintain eye contact. Relax! Smile! Have confidence in yourself! Ask them to explain what their company does and look for ways that you would fit in. If you really want to make a good first impression, follow-up with a brief not to the recruiters who you would really like to speak to again.
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