Career Fairs

The Career Fair

Who Can Attend?

The Career Fair is an opportunity for all students, first year through graduate students, as well as UConn alumni. Whether exploring the world of work and learning about employment opportunities, or seeking internships or cooperative education and full time employment positions, the Fair benefits all participants.

Preparing For the Career Fair

Its best to be prepared. Attend one of the following Navigating the Career Fair workshops:

At these 50 minute sessions, employers and Career Services staff will share the elements of success at the Fair. Find out what employers expect, and how you can make the best impression.

An online version of this workshop is also available. Click here to access.

What to Wear?

A first impression is a lasting impression! Dress for success! If you have a suit, wear it. Employers will take you seriously if you take the opportunity seriously. If a business suit is not part of your wardrobe yet, look the best you can; it will pay off.

What to Bring

RESUMES!!! Not only will you need to make a good personal impression, but you will need to give the employer some documentation about your skills and background. A resume is the one item that employers can take away and review.

How Many Resumes?

Up to 150 employers will attend the Fair. There will be opportunities for ALL majors. Don't come up short and run out of resumes! Review the online employer links or the Career Fair Program, decide how many you need, and bring 20 more than that.

I Don't Have A Resume

Let us help you. Pick up a copy of our Job Search Preparation Guide at the Career Services office. Resume instruction, guidelines and examples are provided. Have your resume critiqued by Career Services staff prior to the Fair.

What Happens at The Career Fair

This is a busy, hectic four hours. Plan your day by identifying key employers and knowing where they are. A floor plan will be provided when you arrive at the Fair, indicating where each employer is located. Make an effort to see these employers first, and then move on to other companies that interest you. Last year, approximately 1300 students and alumni attended. That's a lot of people, so it's best to arrive early and use your time wisely. Some employers will have lines of students waiting to talk to them. If you arrive late, you might miss an opportunity. Be patient, and make the best of the few minutes you will have with each employer. Interviews will not be conducted at the Fair. You will have a few minutes to meet the recruiter, gather information, and share information about yourself. You need to "sell" yourself and your skills to the employer, and make the best of the short time available.

Do I Need To Do Research On Each Employer?

Choose the companies you are most interested in and research each accordingly. You don't have to memorize quarterly financial statements, but have a general idea of what the company does, what the products and services are, and how you are a match for this company. The more you know, the more seriously you will be taken as a candidate.

What Do I Say To The Employer?

Know yourself! Be able to articulate the contributions you can make to an organization. If in doubt about your skills, review our Job Search Preparation Guide. Exude enthusiasm! Employers want enthusiastic employees. You only have a few minutes. Be able to say what you need to say in 60 seconds. Don't just ask "what jobs are available." Rather, focus on the contributions you can make. Employers want to know "what you can do for them," not, "what you want." Jobs are not filled because a desk is available; they are filled by those who can add value to that organization. Figure out what your value is. If you don't know, see a career consultant prior to the Fair in order to best prepare.

After The Career Fair

Follow up with the employers you met. Make sure to write down the name of each individual you speak with. Company contact information is also available at Career Services. Send a note thanking the recruiter for the time you spent together, and remind him/her of your conversation and the things you can do for the company. Let them know you are interested in pursuing opportunities. Some employers will be coming to campus for interviews. Some will not. Follow up and attempt to create opportunities. Don't sit back and wait for the phone to ring or an email to appear. Take initiative. Be assertive! Act. Need help with follow-up? See a career consultant.

Strategies

We can assist you after the Fair, planning your job search strategy. Come visit a career consultant during our walk-in hours. If you have any questions, you can contact us at 486-3013.