OOBEY Guest Article: Tips For Attending a College Career Fair

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Introduction
A college career fair is an ideal way for soon-to-be college grads and students with an eye towards their post-college career to network with employers looking for the skills and education they're completing. Most colleges sponsor at least one major career fair each academic year, and proper preparation will be your best friend if you plan to attend one.

- Visit, call or email your school's career services department to ask about career fairs planned for your campus. Make a note of the dates and learn as much information as you can about the employers who are expected to take part.

- Make an appointment with a career counselor to learn more about the career opportunities available to graduates in your field of study. Figure out what employers you want to target when you attend the career fair. Ask your career counselor to offer further advice on how you can best represent yourself when meeting with prospective employers at the career fair.

- Attend a resume-building workshop, which are frequently available through your school's career services department. Use the tips you learn to create a resume that best represents the education and skills you've been mastering in college.

- Rehearse questions to ask each of the employers you're planning to meet. It's a mistake to think that employers should ask all the questions in an interview. Having questions of your own shows commitment to your career path and attention to detail.

- Dress professionally on the day of the career fair, and make sure your resume is error-free. Bring at least 20 copies with you to give to the company representatives you meet with.

- Make sure you have a polished, informative and professional self-introduction planned. The first thing you'll be asked by prospective employers is to tell them about yourself. Have your answer ready, and make it a good one that demonstrates your knowledge of their company and sets you apart from the rest of the field.

- Collect a business card from every prospective employer you speak with, and always follow up a day or two after your meeting. Thank them for meeting with you and tell them you are looking forward to discussing their company's career opportunities further.

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