MSU Career Fairs offer the opportunity to introduce yourself to hundreds of employers who are interested in YOU! Take full advantage of these amazing opportunities by being completely prepared. Below is a short, but comprehensive, guide to networking, professional attire, resume development, interview preparation and more. 

Before the Fair

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Research Organizations of Interest

Plan Your Day

  • If you need to miss class to attend the Career Fair, be sure to speak with you faculty member ahead of time. 
  • Make a plan for which employers you will talk to and leave extra time to network with other employers spontaneously. 

Prepare Your Resume

Be Ready to Interview

Practice Your Elevator Speech

Prepare and practice a 20-30 second introduction that tells recruiters who you are, highlights your key skills and abilities, and describes your interests regarding their organization.  

  • Craft your statement to be concise
  • Include relevant experiences and skills
  • Use as a conversation starter
  • Practice, but don’t script

Hello, my name is Rachel and I am graduating in May 2022 with a degree in computer science. I recently interned at ABC Co. in their computer programming division where I used my skills with C++ and Java to assist with expediting their software upgrades. I am very interested in how your organization’s programmers create new software. Can you tell me more about their work?

Other questions to end with:

  • I see you’re here visiting with students majoring in_______. I am very interested in working for your organization, but my major is__________. Can you tell me who the best contact would be in your organization for those opportunities? 
  • Can you tell me how the ____ position fits into the mission and main functions of your organization? 
  • What types of opportunities are typically available to new college graduates?
  • What specific skills and qualifications does your organization look for in its employees?
  • Are there specific courses or other requirements you look for in prospective employees?
  • What could someone expect to see as the typical hiring process in your organization?

Prepare Questions to Ask

  1. I see you’re here visiting with students majoring in_______. I am very interested in working for your organization, but my major is__________. Can you tell me who the best contact would be in your organization for those opportunities?
  2. Please tell me about how this position fits into the mission and main functions of your organization. 
  3. What is your organization/department culture like?
  4. What is “a day in the life of” like for individuals in this  position?
  5. What types of opportunities are typically available to new college graduates?
  6. How many people are employed within thedepartment?
  7. What specific skills and qualifications does your organization look for in its employees?
  8. Are there specific courses or other requirements you look for in prospective employees?
  9. What could someone expect to see as the typical hiring process in your organization?
  10. What are the projections for future changes within your organization?
  11. How does your organization train its new employees?
  12. Please describe what initial assignments a new employee might be tasked with.
  13. What opportunities does your company offer for individual professional development?
  14. I see you have branches in several locations. Where do you see the growth happening?
  15. May I have your business card?
  16. Tell me about your job. What do you like about it?
  17. What is unique about your organization?
  18. Can you suggest anything I can do to improve my chances of employment with your company?

Attend Events Before the Career Fair

  • To help you prepare for the Career Fairs, attend Career Education Clinics and any Prep-the-Student events hosted by Career, Internship & Student Services.
  • Prep-the-Student Week with Bobcat Career Closet offers a variety of drop-in workshops to support with resume and cover letter development, mock interviews, employer research and salary negotiation.
  • Organization Information Sessions and Networking Events expand your professional network, help you make important career connections, and position you for the internship or job you want.

During the Fair

Dress Professionally

If you are seeking a full-time position, a business suit is best. If you are seeking an internship or part-time position, business casual is appropriate. 

  • Business Casual: Dress pants/slacks or skirt, button-up collared shirt (with or without tie) or blouse.
  • Business Formal: Dress suit (pants or skirt, dress shirt with tie or blouse, with matching coat/blazer).

Plan Your Approach

  • Check in at the front desk and pick up a nametag (you MUST wear one) and a map of the fair.
  • Leave your backpack and coat at the coat check.Take only your folio with copies of your resume.
  • Walk around the entire fair; get a feel for the event.
  • Well known employers will receive a lot of attention from students. Do not overlook outstanding opportunities with small or less known organizations. 

Speak to Recruiters

  • Organizations attend because they want to meet you.If you are nervous,approach anemployer who is not on your target list to use as “practice.”Smile, introduce yourself, andoffer your resume.Thank them for their time, ask about their timeline, and request a business card. 

Networking Event Tips & Tricks

Prepare

  • Research the companies in advance.
  • Practice your 30 second elevator speech.
  • Dress professionally.
  • Update your Linked In account.
  • Prepare a list of questions.

Engage

  • Be positive and approachable.
  • Join the conversation – make sure to introduce yourself.
  • Ask questions.
  • Be sincere and show genuine interest.
  • Take notes.

Show Gratitude

  • Say, "Thank you."
  • Return to the recruiter's booth to say, "Thank you, again."
  • Send a physical "Thank You" or email message.
  • Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn.

After the Fair

Follow-Up

  • After the Career Fair, send thank you messages to the organization representatives you met. 
  • Submit applications as directed.
  • Connect with the organization representatives on LinkedIn to stay connected and learn about future opportunities.

 

Meet with a Career Education Coach