Colleges always host career fairs, but who really knows how to make the most of them? We talked to the experts so you know all about career fairs, from both sides of the booth.
THE EXPERTS: Renee Welch, the assistant director for Career Development Counseling and Outreach at Colorado State University, has been a career counselor for five years. From the other side of the booth, Suzanne Sanderson, the Director of Selection and Marketing for Wealth Concepts, LLC and Ann Richardson, an area recruiter for Sherwin-Williams, have some tips to share with us HC girls.
Get the info: You should be asking questions that will determine whether or not the opportunity is a fit for you personally. If it's for an internship, ask how you'll be supervised and what you'll learn. Always ask about the best way to apply and make sure you take a business card so you can follow up.
Also, ask the obvious questions like how much you'll make, what the hours are and what would be expected of you in your position. But don't stop there. Dig a little deeper to find out more about the culture of the company. "We don't believe it makes someone happy to work for just money or just this or just that," Sanderson says.
So, tell me about yourself: Don't be afraid to brag a little here, ladies! Welch suggests giving an "elevator speech" about yourself. "You only have a short window of time to make a good first impression," Welch says, so use it wisely. Richardson says this speech should be about 60 to 90 seconds long.
Before and during: Welch says students should research companies ahead of time so they can be productive in their short conversation with a company recruiter. Make sure you come with questions you really want answered, so that you can seriously consider the company and they can seriously consider you, Richardson says.
After: Follow-up is the most important thing, we hear over and over, but what's the best way to do it? Before you leave the booth, make sure you know who to contact, since interviewing is a lot about following up and following through, Welch says.
To find out what to wear and how to calm your nerves for the career fair go to the original article at Her Campus. To read more from Her Campus, including how to create a resume and cover letter, click here.