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Before the Career Fair: Getting Ready

Planning on attending a career fair? Here’s what you need to bring and what to practice.

STEP 1: REVISE YOUR RESUME
  • Make sure your resume has all your latest experiences, certifications, and skills

  • Come to the CCO during drop-in hours (M-F, 10am-4pm) and optimize you resume structure and phrasing for the job market.

STEP 2: REVIEW, SELECT, RESEARCH EMPLOYERS

  • Review: Take a look at the companies attending the career fair. A list can be found in your career fair handbook or on myCCO.

  • Select: Identify the companies you would be interested in applying to.

  • Research: Research the history, products, and available positions of your target companies. List out at least one intelligent question you would like to ask the company recruiter.

STEP 3: THINK ABOUT WHAT TO SAY, WHAT TO DO
  • Greeting: Think about how you intend to greet recruiters. Keep it as short as possible. A smile, confident step forward, firm handshake, and simple “Hello” is a great start.

  • Speaking: Practice your 30-second elevator pitch to express your unique qualities to an employer.

STEP 4: WHAT TO BRING
  • Enough copies of your resume, printed on resume paper

  • A slim binder, folder, or professional pad holder to hold your resumes.

  • A black or blue pen

STEP 5: WHAT TO WEAR
  • Unless a ‘casual’ dress code is explicitly stated, opt to wear a dark colored suit (and a tie, for men).

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