How to make the Career Fair work for you
With the 2019 Fall Career & Internship Fair right around the corner, here are some tips to be ready to meet with potential employers
By Kyle Hobstetter on September 18, 2019
Each semester, Towson University welcomes over 200 employers to SECU Arena to meet TU students and alumni who are seeking to launch careers or land internships. The 2019 Fall Career and Internship Fair takes place on Friday, September 20 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The event is open to all Towson University students and alumni. Registration is recommended, through TU’s Handshake career network platform.
The 2019 Fall Career and Internship Fair is an easy and convenient way for the TU community to network with potential employers. But we understand stepping into a basketball arena full of people looking to hire you can be a little daunting.
To help ease your mind before heading in, the Towson University Career Center has these helpful tips to get you ready to find your next professional step.
Learn who’s coming ahead of time
Generally, you can learn the names of attending employers via the “Fairs” tab in Handshake. Narrow the list and begin to research their products/services and hiring needs.
Contact Employers of Special Interest before the fair
Send a focused letter/email to all companies you will be targeting expressing your interest along with a resume targeted toward their needs. Point out that you are looking forward to meeting them at the fair
Prepare a 30-second summery of your qualifications
Job/career fairs offer only brief contact with organizations, so be prepared to make the most of your time. Prepare an interesting verbal summary of your background, achievements, and career interests to make a strong and professional first impression.
Dress the Part
The first impression you create is critical, so dress in a conservative, professionally-tailored, well-pressed business suit. How you look will play a big part in determining employer interest. Be sure to turn off your phone!
Arrive early and plan to stay late
Lines may be long; get there when the fair begins and plan to stay a while. Be prepared to talk about what you have to offer and want to do. Don't just rush in and drop off your resume without having a conversation.
Take the Right Things with You
Take along an ample supply of resumes; they are important even with companies you have contacted ahead of time. Carry an attractive pen, note pad, etc.
Know what you are going to ask
Try to have one or two questions in mind for each target employer. The questions should reflect both your interests and the research you have done on the employer. Do not ask at this point about salary or benefits.
Learn what’s going to happen next
As you leave each employer, request the representative’s business card, learn what happens next in the hiring process and ask what, if anything, you should do to advance your candidacy.
Follow-Up
Within 24 hours, make sure you send a follow-up thank you note or e-mail to each recruiter you spoke with at the fair.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future. The Fall Career and Internship fair gives you an opportunity to not only network, but see what it’s like to search for a job.
The job search doesn’t have to end at the job fair. The Towson University Career Center is open all semester long, and features resume reviews, career advice, and resources to help find your career path.
For more information about the Career Fair and the Career Center, contact them at 410.704.2233 or by e-mail at careercenter AT_TOWSON. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: Lifelong Career Center.