Tips to Prepare for the Career Fair!

The University Wide Fall Career Fair is this Wednesday!

We thought it would be great to gather some last minute tips from your Career Services Coordinators. First and foremost, we know the Career Fair can be intimidating, but remember the employers were once in your shoes – they are not there to scare you. Take a deep breath, be yourself, know your information and everything will be fine!

Preparing the Fair:

1. Preparation is key!
2. Research companies - Use the Career Fair Plus App (Career Fair Plus web version: http://qrs.ly/6d7msbi) along with Handshake to research the companies you are interested in.
3. Practice your micro-pitch… Practice makes perfect.
4. Plan an attack strategy – make a list of 10 companies you’d like to visit and a list of five for back-ups in case the lines are too long.
5. Be open-minded to companies that are unfamiliar. They may have great opportunities you didn’t know existed.
6. Bring a small portfolio of projects you’ve completed – pictures, short writing samples, etc.

Getting ready the day of the Fair:

1. When you look good, you feel good, so look the part:
• Dress for the job you want – think about the industry you are going into and what attire is appropriate.
• Wear comfortable shoes – it’s a long day on your feet.
• Wear dark socks with your dark shoes.
2. Personal hygiene is important:
• Wear deodorant
• Brush your teeth
• Iron your clothes
• Want to wear perfume or cologne? A little goes a long way.
3. Wear your club/organization golf shirt – it’s a great conversation starter that can help break the ice with an employer.

At the Fair:

1. Know what you want and be brave!
2. Don’t talk to your favorite company first - talk with others on your list to practice and get the nerves out.
3. Make eye contact.
4. Take breaks during the fair - take a few minutes to sit down, drink some water and reorganize yourself.
5. Connect with the alumni at companies you are interested in – they know exactly what you are going through.
• If you see a Tiger sticker on their shirt – they are RIT alumni.
6. Refresh your memory before you shake their hand - look at the Career Fair Plus App and your notes while waiting in line.
7. Brag about yourself - be confident in yourself and show them how awesome you really are.
8. Don’t forget to smile!

Did you know you can hear a tiger’s roar from at least two miles away? You are an RIT Tiger for a reason – each and every student is smart and capable of working a Career Fair and getting a job. On the day of the Career Fair know your value and the skills you can bring to the table – we are all there to see you succeed, so let’s hear your roar.  

Advice from Students: Career Fair and Job Search

On Wednesday, February 22nd, six Saunders College of Business student panelists shared their advice on how to work career fairs and job searches. Though the panel was organized for SCB and COLA students, their tips can be helpful for anyone who feels intimidated or unsure about their career experience, so we wanted to share them with you.

During the Career Fair

Professionalism and Communication

Career fairs can be intimidating and overwhelming. The tips below will give you an idea of what to expect at the event, and how to get through it successfully.

 

What to Expect

• A large room, with rows and rows of booths or tables of companies.
• It will be crowded, with long lines at some tables, and loud. Be prepared to wait.
• If you haven't pre-registered, student registration tables are usually located at the entrance to the fair. Here you will be asked to swipe your RIT ID, create a name tag.
• At the RIT Fall & Spring University-Wide Fairs, many companies stay to conduct interviews the next day in the Field House.