Penn State Central PA Regional Career Fair

Tips for Success

Resume and Cover Letter	Prepare Yourself	What to Wear
At the Fair	After the Fair	Interviewing

Review the detailed resume help.
The design of your resume must highlight the most important information about your work experience, skills and education. At first glance this information forms the image that employers have of your skills and abilities.
If you are targeting different types of positions develop multiple versions of your resume highlighting your skills and skills sets in those areas.
Use power words or verbs that match the level of position that you are seeking.
Many jobs require that you apply online after or before the career fair; be prepared to submit a strong cover letter.
If you are coming from the military, please check out the Resources for Military page.

Identify the employers you want to meet. Recruiters identify themselves within “Employment Categories."
Know at least something relevant about each employer so that you can have an educated conversation. Nothing impresses an employer LESS THAN asking them about what they do or what type of employees they hire.
Have specific questions prepared for each company you meet.
Present yourself in the most professional way possible. Offer a firm handshake, show enthusiasm and maintain eye contact.
A good introduction is something to practice and perfect. Don’t assume you will have a great answer when the time comes. Practice how to introduce yourself.
Know what to expect at the fair.

Wear comfortable shoes!
Dress for success! When in doubt, be conservative.
Men-- Wear a clean, pressed suit and tie. If you do not own a suit, you should wear clean, pressed dress pants and a long-sleeve, light-colored, pressed shirt and tie.
Women-- Wear a clean, pressed suit - either pants or skirt. Skirts should be no shorter than 2” above the knee.
Anything that could detract a recruiter from paying attention to your qualifications (i.e.: facial jewelry, heavy perfumes/colognes), will negatively impact the professional impression you want to achieve.

Know what to expect.
Go to the registration area to receive your name tag.
Be sure to carry a professional portfolio.
Adhere your nametag to your right chest. This way, when you reach out to shake someone’s hand, they’ll see your name.
Come prepared to talk about your professional experiences, skill sets, and how your education has prepared you for a position of this nature.
Introduce yourself - Provide additional information about your background and experiences. Offer a copy of your resume.
Indicate why you are interested in this particular employer. Obtain information about the availability of positions in your interest areas. Determine requirements to apply for a position.
Thank each recruiter for his or her time.
Always ask for business cards after meeting a company representative. After you’re done talking with them, take notes on the back of the card and use those notes to draft a personalized thank you note.
The PA National Guard will be at the fair to help any service member with military-related questions. Resources for Military.

After the fair concludes, jot down notes about conversations you had with company representatives. If you wait too long, the conversations will start running together in your head, and you'll forget what you said to whom.
Follow up on promises. Follow through on anything that you told an employer you would do.
Within a few days, send a thank you note to each employer with whom you talked – especially if you are considering future opportunities with the organization.
Remember to apply online after the Career Fair if the employer instructs you to!
Network with anyone (friends, family, faculty, alumni of Penn State) who will give you information on career opportunities or job openings.

Catch the interviewer's interest with something unique about you and how your skills relate to their position.
Ask what a perfect candidate would be like.
Research the company BEFORE the fair and interview.
Show your research - mention something you have learned about the organization.
Know the job description - Reviewing the job description will help you customize your answers by addressing the specific needs of the organization and requirements of the position to your skill set.
Keep your answers to questions short and to the point.
Be gracious and polite. If someone gets you a cup of coffee, thank them; hold the door for someone else. Give the receptionist or the last person you see a cheery goodbye. You want to leave a good impression.
Show strength, perseverance, optimism and a good work ethic in your interview.