5 AGCAREERS FOOD & AGRICULTURE CAREER GUIDE Preparing for a career fair can be scary. Who should I talk to? What do I even say? Do I need to bring anything? These are all probably questions you ask yourself ahead of time, and they’re completely valid. The pressure to walk away from a career fair with a job or internship offer can feel very high. While it is exciting to pursue these opportunities, a career fair is also a chance to make connections, learn about employers, and practice presenting yourself professionally. In this article, I will go over all the tools you can use to prepare for a career fair and feel confident walking out of one. BEFORE THE CAREER FAIR Preparation before a career fair is almost as important as actually attending it. Feeling prepared ahead of time makes the experience much less intimidating! Here are a few things you can do to get ready: UPDATE & REVIEW YOUR RESUME When talking to employers, you want to have your resume readily available. This is especially important if you are hoping to land an interview, as it shows you are prepared and confident. Don’t be afraid to ask if they would like a copy! When choosing paper, opt for a higher-quality paper, slightly thicker than regular printer paper, for a more professional feel. Be sure to print at least 10 more copies than you think you’ll need, just in case you speak with more companies than expected or employers request multiple copies. RESEARCH COMPANIES ATTENDING AHEAD OF TIME It’s always a good idea to research the companies attending the career fair. Most universities have a webpage listing registered employers. If you can’t find one, go to your career services office, as they can usually provide it. Researching in advance helps you understand the available roles, qualifications, and day-to-day responsibilities. Instead of asking a broad question like, “What kind of jobs do you have?” try to reference a specific role, department, or area of interest. This shows the recruiter that you took the time to learn about the company. Once you’ve identified companies of interest, rank them from most to least preferred; this priority list will come in handy later. PREPARE AN ELEVATOR PITCH Having an elevator pitch is one of the best ways to reduce stress. This should be a 30-second to 1-minute introduction covering: • Who you are • Your relevant experience • What you’re looking for This is your first impression, so aim to sound confident, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested. PICK OUT YOUR OUTFIT AHEAD OF TIME When it comes to career fairs, it’s all about “look good, feel good.” First impressions matter, and professional attire is key. 1 2 3 4 PHOTO: Tierney – stock.adobe.com CAREER FAIR TOOLKIT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BY TAYLOR SUBLETTE, RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT & BRAND SPECIALIST, AGCAREERS
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