Getting Ready for the Career Fair

Here are some guidelines to help you get the most out of this amazing opportunity to meet prospective employers and start your network of contacts!

Do your homework: Before heading off to the Fair, check our website (starting early in the Fall semester) to find out which employers will be attending. Do some research on the web and in the Career Resource Room (106 Page) and learn a little bit about specific companies and what entry-level positions they offer. This way, you can tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that best suit that employer's needs. By knowing a little about the company you can also ask interesting and impressive questions when you stop by the employer's table.

Take advantage of "Ask the Experts": Resume reviews and mock interviews are available at the beginning of the semester to help you gain valuable practice and to perfect your resume. Bring plenty of copies of your resume to the Fair, but don't be surprised if some employers won't take them; many employers can't accept resumes at career fairs for legal reasons.

Attend a Workshop: Attend the Career Center's Career Fair preparation workshop. This hour-long orientation and introduction will answer all of your questions and ensure that you take full advantage of career fairs. Check 'Events' on this site for times and locations.

What to Wear: Employers understand that you might have classes that day, so wearing a suit to the Fair is not necessary. However, showing up in sweats may not be the best plan. Compromise and go for a "business casual" look.

Register for Campus Interviews: Many of the employers at the Career Fair will be conducting on-campus interviews later on in the semester. If you drop off a resume, make sure that you also access Duke eRecruiting to submit your resume online. (If you haven't yet completed the On-campus Recruiting Orientation, you will need to attend one of those sessions before being able to access eRecruiting.) If you need help with this or have questions, call 660-1060 or stop by the Career Center Resource Room during drop-in advising.

At the Career Fair

Collect Business Cards: Be sure that you collect the business card(s) of whomever you talk to at the Career Fair. Career Center staff will try to collect cards from all participants, which will be available to students in 106 Page. However, sometimes it is hard to remember exactly whom you talked to if several representatives were in attendance. Asking for a card is professional and gives you a potential contact you can use later on in your job search.

Come Early: Keep in mind that some employers may have to leave the Fair early to catch a flight - get there early so that you don't miss out on meeting a target employer. The night before the Fair, use the special Career Fair supplement in the Chronicle to map out a strategy for hitting those recruiters you really want to meet.

Be a Student Assistant: Get the inside scoop on the companies and their opportunities by volunteering as a Student Assistant at the Career Fair. Student Assistants will have the opportunity to work directly with the recruiters at the Fair and get first hand information about potential opportunities in their organizations and how to get them. For more information about this great opportunity and to sign up, visit the Career Center.

For additional information, contact LaRhonda Woodard at 919-660-1060.