Career Fair Tips For Recruiters

Kent State students probably behave like most other college students at a career fair. Some are very motivated and will initiate discussion with a lot of different recruiters. Others may feel intimidated and nervous about starting a conversation with a stranger. As the organization representative, you can do a great deal to generate interest in your organization and initiate meaningful conversations with our students and alumni. Here are a few tips that may help you be successful at the career fairs you attend.

Preparation

• Determine your goal and design your effort around that aim:
  • Recruit students for full or part-time employment and internship positions
  • Share career information and typical steps to success
  • Enhance organizational image and gain name recognition
• Anticipate problems before the event and be prepared(eg: if you need electricity, bring extension cords, etc.)
• Adhere to the fair set-up times during the day. The best and most motivated students and alumni are often waiting at the door and you want to be ready to greet them when they arrive.

Display

• A good exhibit is simply a stage for an information exchange. Your organization is really the focus, not your exhibit.
• Your visual message should give even the casual observer a clear idea of what your organization does.
• Entertaining exhibits get results. Students live in a colorful world of multimedia.
• Even with a great exhibit, it comes down to you to make the right impression.
• Multimedia presentations should be no more than two to five minutes long. Many students and alumni see a career fair as a buffet. Most want to explore all of their options before getting more in-depth information.

Literature and Giveaways

• Have brochures on hand, but keep paper to a minimum.
• Use giveaways to arouse curiosity, initiate a conversation an and emphasize your recruiting message.
• Students/alumni will ultimately base their opinion of your organization on you, rather than your handouts.

Staffing Your Exhibit

• Strive to make a good first impression. Alumni and recent college grads are often times able to make the most effective connections with attendees.
• Staff must be very knowledgeable about the organization and positions, as well as where students and potential employees may fit into the organization.
• Ensure your exhibit is staffed at all times. Stagger breaks and lunch if you have a second recruiter. Avoid eating at your exhibit.
• Stand at your exhibit, rather than sitting in the chair behind your exhibit to convey a sense of excitement and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Wear nametags prominently. We recommend that students and alumni obtain your business card for follow-up, so please make them readily available.
• Don't wait for students and alumni to approach you. Be assertive, friendly and sincere.
• Open conversations with attendees by asking friendly, open-ended, specific questions such as: "Are you interested in a career in finance?" Or "Do you want to put your communications skills to work in a great career?"

After the Fair

• Be sure to complete the fair evaluation before you leave, noting the good aspects of the event, as well as recommendations for improvement.
• Respond to all inquiries personally within 48 hours to reinforce your good image and to "strike while the iron is hot."