Career fairs are one way to meet employers who are actually hiring or anticipate hiring new employees in the near future. If you are looking to do an internship, it's important to let employers know that if you can in your initial 30 second elevator speech. It's also a good idea to put an objective at the top of the resume to let them know that you are looking for an internship.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain an internship in advertising.
1. Prepare an Elevator Speech
Have a short elevator speech prepared to give employers that includes information about your college, previous experiences, personal interests, and career goals.2. Arrive Early
Give yourself ample time to get acclimated and check out fair participants.3. Dress for Success
Suits are definitely recommended for anyone interested in getting a call back from employers.4. Bring Lots of Resumes
Career Fairs are an opportunity to meet with many hiring professionals in a very short period of time. It’s best to have enough resumes to be able to hand out to all employers offering internships/jobs that are of interest to you.5. Act Professionally
Acting confident in your abilities will portray a sense of professionalism to employers. Be sure to offer a firm handshake and warm greeting to each employer you meet.6. Be Assertive
Be assertive in your approach as you meet with each employer. Planning ahead can make this step easier especially if you tend to be somewhat shy or reserved.7. Show Enthusiasm
Let your personality shine by showing your enthusiasm and your genuine interest in working for the company.8. Focus on the Positive
Career fairs can be somewhat overwhelming so be sure to keep a positive attitude and remain focused on your goal.9. Maintain Flexibility
Be open to possibilities and be sure to check out all of the career options that each employer has to offer. You may be surprised by the variety of career options that are available with different types of employers.10. Follow-Up With Employers
Gather as many business cards as you can at the fair and follow up by sending each recruiter a short thank you note highlighting your knowledge, skills, and accomplishments and your interest in working for them.
