For college aggies the fall means 2 things: career fairs and interviews. After 4 years I fully understand the stress, worry, anxiety and anticipation that comes with the next couple of months and want to give you some tips on how to be the most confident, kick ass candidate at these career fairs.
1. Get a manicure/pamper yourself the night before- when you look good, you feel good and that’s key.
2. List out the companies you want to visit- It will DRASTICALLY reduce the intimidation of career fairs.
3. Print off a million copies of your resume- you can never have too many!
4. Go early- before these company reps lose focus and attention
5. Don’t set a time schedule- you’re never going to follow it and don’t want to feel rush.
6. Even if you’re an underclassmen, talk to the “It” companies- I did this all 4 years and trust me after the 2nd year they remember you and your confidence in yourself.
7. Use mints not gum- can’t talk too well with gum in your mouth
8. Very firm handshake- shows you’re truly interested plus exudes power and confidence
9.Visit with companies that ARENT on your list- Did this too and actually got some interviews/offers out of it
10. Wear lots of deodorant- You’re walking about 5 miles and super nervous so this is a necessity.
11. Brag about yourself- that’s why these companies are here to listen to how great you are!
12. Create a 2 way conversation- much easier to talk to people this way.
13. Collect business cards- you’ll want them for #14.
14. Email thank-yous to everyone you talk with- shows your appreciation and name drops yourself one last time.
15. Ask for an interview- shows you truly want the job and also exudes confidence again.
16. Remember that not every stop will be a good one-pick yourself up and go onto the next company.
17. Realize that no one will offer you a job that day- just the first step in what can be a long process.
18. It’s ok to go home and cry- did this about every year. It’s a long day with a lot of mixed emotions and signals.
19. Realize there are opportunities outside of the career fair- I had an internship all 3 summers of college but only 1 came from the career fair.
20. Also realize that you do NOT need to find your dream job/internship by Christmas- still plenty of opportunities after the New Year.
21. Your first job/internship doesn’t have to be your DREAM job either- Got my first full time job in January, quit after 6 months, found a job that is almost/one step closer to the dream job.
You can do it. God has a plan and everything happens for a reason. Now go out there, put on a big smile with your chin up, and rock that career fair!
1. Get a manicure/pamper yourself the night before- when you look good, you feel good and that’s key.
2. List out the companies you want to visit- It will DRASTICALLY reduce the intimidation of career fairs.
3. Print off a million copies of your resume- you can never have too many!
4. Go early- before these company reps lose focus and attention
5. Don’t set a time schedule- you’re never going to follow it and don’t want to feel rush.
6. Even if you’re an underclassmen, talk to the “It” companies- I did this all 4 years and trust me after the 2nd year they remember you and your confidence in yourself.
7. Use mints not gum- can’t talk too well with gum in your mouth
8. Very firm handshake- shows you’re truly interested plus exudes power and confidence
9.Visit with companies that ARENT on your list- Did this too and actually got some interviews/offers out of it
10. Wear lots of deodorant- You’re walking about 5 miles and super nervous so this is a necessity.
11. Brag about yourself- that’s why these companies are here to listen to how great you are!
12. Create a 2 way conversation- much easier to talk to people this way.
13. Collect business cards- you’ll want them for #14.
14. Email thank-yous to everyone you talk with- shows your appreciation and name drops yourself one last time.
15. Ask for an interview- shows you truly want the job and also exudes confidence again.
16. Remember that not every stop will be a good one-pick yourself up and go onto the next company.
17. Realize that no one will offer you a job that day- just the first step in what can be a long process.
18. It’s ok to go home and cry- did this about every year. It’s a long day with a lot of mixed emotions and signals.
19. Realize there are opportunities outside of the career fair- I had an internship all 3 summers of college but only 1 came from the career fair.
20. Also realize that you do NOT need to find your dream job/internship by Christmas- still plenty of opportunities after the New Year.
21. Your first job/internship doesn’t have to be your DREAM job either- Got my first full time job in January, quit after 6 months, found a job that is almost/one step closer to the dream job.
You can do it. God has a plan and everything happens for a reason. Now go out there, put on a big smile with your chin up, and rock that career fair!