Job Search : AT THE CAREER

Watch your manners and mannerisms — all those things your parents drilled into you when you were a child (and a few more). Stand up straight, don’t hang your mouth open, don’t fidget, do speak up and speak clearly, don’t chew gum or smell like smoke. Have a good handshake and make good eye contact.
Don’t be misled into thinking of the fair as a social event. Employers often send recently hired new graduates to career fairs. Don’t fall into the mistake of interacting on a social level and forgetting that you are being judged on your potential to function in the work environment.
Carry a simple padfolio to keep your resumes organized and ready. Some fairs have you check your bags at the door because the event is crowded. Be ready to hand employers the appropriate resume (see You might need to prepare more than one version, above). Be prepared for employers to give you literature and give-away items (pens, cups, t-shirts, etc.) — this is typical at fairs (sometimes they give you a bag to carry the give-aways). Bottom line is that you want to look like an organized person because that’s an asset in an employee.
Have an open mind. You may have 12 employers on your target list to speak with. If you have extra time, or have to wait to speak with an employer, take advantage of the opportunity to chat with other employers who aren’t busy. You might learn something to your advantage to your surprise. At the least, you’ll be practicing initiating a conversation in a less formal business environment — and this is an essential skill in any work environment.
This is your opportunity to be evaluated on more than just your resume. In many aspects of the job search, your resume (and cover letter) is (are) all the employer sees to determine whether to interview you. At a fair, you have an opportunity to stand out in person in a way that you might not on your resume. Interpersonal skills, communication skills and work-place-appropriate social skills are critical. Many employers evaluate these skills heavily, because they want to hire people who can make a good impression on their clients and customers.
Handshakes are critical. Excellent article on this topic:
CampusCareerCenter.com > students > Ask the Expert > Get a Grip: Handshaking 101
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