Do I need a resume at a career fair?

Asked by: Jared Sanford MD  |  Last update: September 10, 2023
Score: 5/5 (69 votes)

Day of the career fair
Bring a notebook or printouts with info about the employers you're planning to meet. And bring several hard copies of your resume.

Do you need resume for career fair?

Bring lots of resumes to the fair, at least two for each company for which you have interest. If you have multiple interests or job objectives, make sure you bring enough of each version of your resume.

What happens if you don't have a resume for a job fair?

Most companies at job fairs are looking to fill entry-level jobs, which means you don't need to have a resume with a lengthy work history.

How do you carry a resume at a career fair?

Don't carry a bulky briefcase or handbag—you want to be able to easily make your way across the room, have your hands free for handshaking, and not look disheveled. All you need is a small purse, plus a dark, plain folder to hold your resumes and any information you pick up at the event.

What should you do when attending a career fair?

10 Career Fair Tips for College Students
  1. Research Attending Employers and Companies. ...
  2. Update Your Resume. ...
  3. Prepare for Conversation. ...
  4. Dress Professionally. ...
  5. Arrive Early. ...
  6. Ask Employers Questions. ...
  7. Be Attentive and Courteous During Interviews. ...
  8. Ask for Ways to Stay in Touch.

Prepare for Job Fair - STAND OUT by doing this!

19 related questions found

How do you greet an employer at a career fair?

At the career fair, initiate contact with recruiters by smiling, making eye contact, and shaking hands when introducing yourself.

What not to say at a job fair?

Don't ever say anything negative to the recruiter about your college or previous jobs, companies, or supervisors. Do be sure to ask about the hiring process of each company, but don't ask too many questions about salaries, vacation time, and other benefits.

Is it okay if I don't have a resume?

Professionals may want to get a job without a resume if they don't have an extensive employment history related to the job they're applying for. Since many companies screen applications, a resume with minimal work history may not receive much consideration.

What to do and what not to do at a career fair?

So I've taken the time to provide you with some additional tips pertaining to the do's and don'ts.
  • 1) DO ATTEND THE CAREER FAIR EARLY. ...
  • 2) DO BE BRAVE AND APPROACH THE RECRUITER ALONE. ...
  • 3) DO MAKE A POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION. ...
  • 4) DON'T TALK WITH FOOD IN YOUR MOUTH. ...
  • 5) DON'T/NEVER ASK WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY DO.

What not to ask at a career fair?

Review the list of career fair attendees ahead of time. See which companies look interesting to you. Visit their websites, learn about their history and types of work so that you are prepared for a real conversation. Secondly, avoid asking questions about pay or vacation time.

Do employers look at all resumes?

For instance, if there are only a few applicants, the employer may look at all of the resumes thoroughly. If there are many applicants, however, then the employer may hire a recruiter or hiring manager to quickly review the resumes or use an automatic resume scanning system.

Does resume look matter?

Colorful paper and flashy gimmicks will not get your resume read by hiring managers, but good content set up in a presentable format will. A successful resume is a good combination of strong information presented in a way that is easy to read.

What are the negatives about career fairs?

Disadvantages of Job Fair:
  • Competition is higher: ...
  • Huge crowd tends to create stress: ...
  • Chances of getting missed out from right employers: ...
  • Organization hirer randomly to show the count: ...
  • Very tiring and sometimes emotionally draining: ...
  • No proper structure for the interview:

Should I go to a career fair alone?

When it comes to networking and social events, there is nothing wrong with going alone. Putting yourself in a position to talk to new people, it's actually a good thing. You never know who you'll meet, who they might know, or how they can contribute to finding your next job.

Should you bring cover letter to career fair?

You are likely to hear conflicting advice on whether you need to bring both your CV and cover letter to jobs fairs. Although it is generally agreed that it is wise to take along your CV, some job sites suggest there is no need to prepare cover letters.

What are 5 common resume mistakes?

Here are just a few of the most common CV mistakes, according to five employers.
  • Having spelling errors and bad grammar. ...
  • Exaggerating the truth. ...
  • Poor formatting. ...
  • An unoriginal personal profile. ...
  • Not focusing on your achievements. ...
  • Making your CV too long. ...
  • Putting the wrong contact information.

What is the least common resume?

A functional resume is probably the least used resume format. Generally, a functional resume is for people with a nontraditional work history or those who want to draw more attention to their skills and abilities than where they worked. The problem with a functional resume, though, is they are tough to read.

Can employers find jobs not on resume?

Never assume that because you didn't put it on the application form or resume that the employer won't find out about it. They could check your entire employment history and when they do that they may be concerned if they find omissions and, depending on what it was, it could be held against you.

How do you approach a table at a career fair?

Tips For Starting A Conversation At A Career Fair
  1. Introduce yourself with a smile. ...
  2. Ask questions you developed while doing your research. ...
  3. Ask questions about the jobs they are hiring for. ...
  4. Ask open-ended questions. ...
  5. Ask questions about the hiring process. ...
  6. Ask about the company's culture. ...
  7. Offer them your resume.

How do you approach a booth at a career fair?

As you make contact with recruiters at a job fair, it's important to have good body language that conveys your interest in communicating with them. Walk confidently toward the booth and approach them with a smile, making eye contact and giving a firm handshake when you introduce yourself.

How do you respond to a job fair invitation?

Respond quickly and thoughtfully

Responding within one or two days shows your interest in the opportunity and your enthusiasm about finding the right job or internship. Start by thanking them for reaching out and sharing the event, job, or information. Express your excitement for learning more about the opportunity.

How long are career fair conversations?

An interaction with an employer at a career fair is often no more than 2-3 minutes, and is a chance for introductory conversation, for you to express your interest in the employer, and often for you to share with them your resume.

How do you introduce yourself to a recruiter at a career fair?

Hello, I'm (first name, last name). I am a (class year) student studying _______, and I was excited to see your organization was participating in the career fair today. Last summer, I interned/co-oped at ______ where I worked on ____. Through this experience, I developed skills in _______.

What do you talk to recruiters about at a career fair?

Here are seven kinds of questions that will help you do just that.
  • Ask About a Particular Role. ...
  • Ask About the Hiring Process. ...
  • Ask About Their Experience. ...
  • Ask About Growth and Development. ...
  • Ask About the Company's Products, Services, or Recent News. ...
  • Ask About Company Culture. ...
  • Ask How You Can Stay in Touch.

What are two benefits of attending a career fair?

5 Benefits of attending college career fairs
  • The Primary Benefits of a College Career Fair. ...
  • Networking with Potential Employers. ...
  • Access to Free Workshops and Seminars. ...
  • Get Your Resume Reviewed. ...
  • Interview Practice. ...
  • Learn About Job Opportunities in Your Industry.