Education/training | Making Connections | Personal Advancement | Self-employment | Career Options

Making Connections

Ace your campus job fair

As final-year post-secondary students work toward completing their degrees or diplomas, they're also gearing up for the next step -- leaving academia for the working world.

SHARON ASCHAIEK

[ 2006-09-27 ]

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For most, the job search begins right on campus at career fairs organized by colleges and universities. Usually multi-day affairs with several exhibitors representing many different sectors, these events let students research opportunities in their chosen field, discover new employment paths and connect directly with employers.

"A student can go to this event and make some really valuable contacts and build relationships with them throughout their academic year. It also helps them see the possibilities that are out there for them," says Mary Giamos, a career management consultant at the Career Centre at the University of Toronto, which hosted its own such event, Career Information Days, at the end of this month.

Giamos says students who follow the tips below will maximize their campus career fair experience.

PREPARATION IS HALF THE BATTLE

Well before the fair takes place, you should find out as much as possible about the location and schedule of activities, so you can plan which events and days to attend.

Review the exhibitor list -- usually posted on your school's website -- and develop two lists: one featuring must-visit exhibitors, and ones you might visit if you have extra time.

Visit the websites of the organizations of greatest interest to you to learn about their business objectives and hiring needs.

"When you have a recruiter in front of you, you don't want to waste time asking questions you could have researched beforehand," Giamos says.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Consider the knowledge and skills you may have gained from school, previous jobs and extracurricular activities, and be prepared to articulate your qualities to employers.

"Students have interpersonal skills they learned in the classroom, critical thinking skills and analytical skills," Giamos says. "They need to know how to talk about their skills and should provide examples."

LOOK AND ACT THE PART

Dress as though you're attending a job interview, Giamos says. Forget the jeans and opt for clean, ironed business casual wear. Instead of a backpack, consider using a more formal messenger bag or even a briefcase. Exchange your sneakers for clean dress shoes that are comfortable enough to get you through the day.

"Let them see you as a potential employee, not as a student," she says.

Again, following job interview protocol, Giamos says, arrive with all your pertinent documents -- your resume or CV, tailored cover letters for specific employers, and even a business card highlighting your qualifications.

BE CURIOUS

Vlasta Dusil, a senior manager of recruitment at Business Objects, a global business intelligence software firm exhibiting at the U of T event, says asking thoughtful, intelligent questions about an organization shows you've done your homework and you're genuinely interested in joining the team.

"As much as we're interested in finding out about candidates, we're also looking for people who are inquisitive, and encourage students to assess us as an organization," Dusil says.

FOLLOW UP

Within a couple of days, follow up with the contacts you've made to begin building your professional relationships.

"Initiative is something we value in our employees," Dusil says. "Anything that helps you stand out from other students is useful."

Give a call or send an e-mail -- the preferred method for busy recruiters -- reminding them of your connection and thanking them again for their time.

Use a professional e-mail address, perhaps your school address, and ensure you have an appropriate outgoing voice message for when employers call back.

"You could also tell them about events at your school that they might be interested in, or send them a major news article about their industry that they might like to read," Giamos says. "It's important that the relationship works both ways."

BE OPEN-MINDED

You may have a career plan all set, but don't automatically rule out the alternatives presented at the fair. You might discover employment options you hadn't considered before.

"The event is about more than finding jobs -- it's a place to make connections and see what different markets are like," Giamos says. "If they're open to the types of organizations and career paths presented, they'll get more out of the day."