What to Expect at the Career Fair

What is a Career Fair?

Employers need good workers and workers need good jobs. A career fair brings employers and job hunters together, face to face.

If you attend a fair, you could meet dozens of recruiters, all in one place, all in one day. Each employer has a table or booth staffed with its own recruiters. You can walk around and collect literature from each company. You can also ask questions and talk to the recruiters.

Will I get a job offer at the Fair?

Probably not. A career fair is an opportunity to meet the recruiters, give them your resume, get their business cards, and convince them to schedule a job interview with you. The job offer usually comes after a successful job interview.

Career Services is here to assist you with all of your job search needs. We have sessions and materials on job searching, resume writing and interviewing as well as staff to answer questions.

Arriving at the Fair

• You will be asked to swipe your UND ID.
• Check in at the registration table for a name tag, map of the Career Fair participants and other posted information

Is there a fee to get into the Career Fair

This fair is free to job hunters connected to UND.

Practice your Handshake

Engage the full hand, palm to palm. Grip firmly, but don't crush. Look the other person in the eye. Smile. Pump two or three times and release.

Questions to expect from Recruiters with sample answers

Below are just a few of the questions a recruiter may ask you. Look over the questions and answers. You'll want an automatic answer for each question.

• "Can you tell me a little about yourself?"

This is probably the first thing the recruiter will ask. Answer by reciting your sales pitch.

• "Tell me about your skills."

Use your fingers and count off the top four or five skills. Offer a short example of how you used each skill.

• "Why did you decide to become a (puzzle maker)?"

You probably have a great reason for choosing your line of work. Tell your story. Include detail and use body language to bring your story to life.

• "What do you know about our company?"

Forty percent of the people interviewed don't know a thing about the company they want to work for. So, make sure you do. Before you go to career fair, visit the fair's web site. Review the list of employers who will recruit at the fair. Select the companies you want to talk to. Then, visit each company's web site. Find out who they are, what they do, and why you want to work there.

• "Why do you want to work for us?"

Here are some honest answers: You shop there. You use their products. You have a friend or relative who works there. You've heard good things about the company (be ready to offer two or three examples of the good things you've heard).

• "What motivates you to do a good job?"

Money is not a good answer. Instead, try this-Having responsibilities and getting a pat on the back when the job is done right.

• "Tell me about your proudest accomplishment?"

Go ahead, tell your story.

• "What are your career goals?"

If you plan to make a career in this industry-say so.

Network with everyone

Talk to other job hunters while waiting in line, walking around, or while on a coffee break. Ask a question to break the ice and get a conversation started. Share information. You'll make a friend.

Trade resumes and stay in touch. Build a network of contacts who will let you know when they spot an opportunity that looks perfect for you. Do the same for them.

Keep your applications in motion

Follow the recruiters' instructions for setting up interviews. If a recruiter told you to go online and fill out a job application, do it. When you apply, write that you met their recruiter (Julie Jobfinder) at the Job Fair (in Holliston, MA, on April 1, 2Oxx). Then email the recruiter to tell her you applied online as she requested.