Workshop Debunks Career Fair Myths

With the career fair only days away, students gathered yesterday in the CUE building hoping to get an edge over their competition. The lecture entitled "How to Make the Most of Career Fairs" sponsored by Career Services, highlighted the advice of BL companies recruitment manager Julie Giantonio. Along with debunking the top five career fair myths, the presentation also offered helpful advice and tips to prospective job hunters. Among the top five myths debunked were

Myth: All I need to do is to "show up" the day of the event.

Fact: Employers are expecting a focused, well-prepared, candidate, which involves not only preparation before the event, but also a follow-up after. Students should also research companies that they are interested in, since today's competitive job market dictates a proactive job search.

Myth: It's okay to show up in my jeans and UConn sweatshirt.

Fact: In no way is this a good idea. These career fairs are an opportunity for students to make a good lasting impression on prospective employers. This should be a professional interaction, and this means students should look the part. Students should also carry around a portfolio in order to organize all of their papers and other information.

Myth: I should go to the fair only if I'm looking for a full-time job.

Fact: Not all companies will even be looking to hire in the immediate future. Some may be collecting resumes for future job openings and many will accept resumes for internships or cooperative education opportunities. Even if they do not have current openings some companies might refer applicants to other divisions within their company.

Myth: I might receive a job offer during the career fair.

Fact: One should not expect to receive a job offer at the fair since no formal interviews are taking place. A career fair's goal is to establish an introduction and interest in the company. Therefore it serves as the first step in the hiring process which could take weeks to months to complete, depending on the company. However it is not impossible that a certain company will make a job offer, so be prepared for anything.

Myth: The employers will meet so many candidates that they will never remember me.

Fact: If the presentation is well-prepared, then there is no reason why it won't make a positive and lasting impression. Following up on the fair is also a way to ensure that students differentiates themselves from the rest of the crowd. The best way to accomplish this is by sending thank you notes after returning from the fair. This also shows that a student is serious about the company or organization.

Other miscellaneous tips included preparing a list of questions to ask employers about their company and making sure that resumes are clear, concise, reader-friendly and error free. The key to any Career Fair is to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills and to show future employers that you can interact on a professional level.

Contact Rachel Madariaga at

Rachel.Madariaga@UConn.edu.