Colleges across the nation are busy finalizing details to host a valuable career fairs for both students and employers. Many students wonder, how do job fairs work? I’ve been on the organizing end of career fairs, and it is one of the best times of the year. Students, to maximize success, it is essential to come prepared! When I am sitting at the registration table the day of these events, it is immediately evident to me which students have prepared ahead of time! Here are ten tips for career fairs and student success!

How do Job Fairs Work?

Before: Tips for Career Fairs

That’s right, the students who find the most success at career fairs are the ones who prepare before the event. If you missed my previous article, “Should I miss class for the college career fair?” be sure to read it. I cover some great tips to help you enter the career fair with the right mindset! Here are the five main steps you should take that relate to your success preparing for the career fair:

1.    Make a list for yourself – Most colleges post a list of the employers that will be in attendance at the career fair on their website weeks (sometimes even a few months) in advance. Get online and make a list of the companies you are most interested in speaking with at the event. I recommend choosing about five to target during your time at the career fair.

2.    Do your research – Once you have your list, research those companies. Read their website and blog if they have one. Next, familiarize yourself with their mission, products, and services. Knowing this information will help you make a great first impression and spend your time covering more important topics in the conversation. If you are hoping to secure a summer internship or your first full-time job, be sure to make special notes of any opportunities listed on company websites.

3.    Write a list of questions and topics – As you are researching, write a few questions or topics you’d like to discuss with each of the companies on your list. Doing this will help you make a great impression and also help you avoid awkward lulls in conversation that can happen when networking at career fairs.

4.    Apply for any internships or positions ahead of time – If a company is offering an internship or job that you are interested in, submit your application before the career fair. Then, you can use the conversation at the event to mention that you have applied online in hopes that the representative you speak with might pass along your resume or name to the hiring manager. It is appropriate to ask if you can leave a resume with the representative but avoid asking for a “good word” unless you have an existing relationship with the person you are speaking with. Let your impression and demeanor speak for itself. If you haven’t written or updated your resume, get help with it prior to the career fair!

5.    Prepare an elevator pitch – An elevator pitch is a professional introduction. It is usually 30-60 seconds in length and gives a brief overview of who you are, what you have done (experience), what you are studying (education), and where you are heading (a professional goal). Remember, don’t memorize it word for word but rehearse it a few times so you can introduce yourself comfortably and confidently.

Day of the Event: Tips for Career Fairs

You’ve done the prep work and the day has come! If you are wondering, “How do job fairs work on the day of the event?” Here are some day-of tips:

6.    Dress for success – Your appearance makes a difference! Iron your shirt, pants, and/or skirt and look sharp. Subtle make-up and fragrance are ok but don’t overdo it. When trying to choose between outfit options, always select the more conservative option. Finally, don’t forget to SMILE! A smile is an essential part of your “outfit” for the day.

7.    Take a professional folder with paper and resumes – You’ll need a place to store your research notes and the questions you prepared prior to the career fair. I suggest a professional, black portfolio with paper inside and place to store business cards (see number nine below). You’ll also want to have ample copies of your resume, printed on nice resume paper, in the event you have the opportunity to present one to an employer.

8.    Make a name tag – Next, be sure to stop at the registration desk and make a name tag. Write legibly! It goes on the left side of your chest (over your heart), so it is easily visible when you reach out and offer a firm, confident handshake. Why is this important? Because there are many people out there, I am one of them, who are terrible with names. Employers will talk to many students throughout the day. They will appreciate being able to glance down at your name tag for a quick reminder of your name. Plus, the more times they see your name, the more likely it is to stick!

9.    Collect a business card at the end of the conversation – This is an important step! Always be building your network. I suggest collecting a business card from every person you talk to (if possible). In between your conversations, take a moment to pause and take a deep breath. Then, write a brief note on the back of the business card. This will remind you of where you met the person and one significant point from your conversation. If someone you speak with is out of cards or doesn’t have one, ask if you may take their email address or connect with them on LinkedIn. Many students who ask me, “how do job fairs work?” don’t follow through with this step, and it is a very, very important one!

After the Event: Tips for Career Fairs

10.  Send a thank you, follow-up card/email – Finally, there is one very important step that I bet 95 percent of your peers won’t do. A follow-up/thank you card is another way to set yourself apart! One to two days after the event, send either a hand-written thank you note or email to each person you spoke with. Thank them for their time and perspective. This is where those business cards with the notes on the back come in handy! Personalize the thank you message with the one significant point from the conversation. This will help them recall who you are, remember that they potentially spoke with hundreds of students, and ensure you make a lasting impression.

Phew. That’s a lot more than just showing up to the career fair for an hour and walking around chatting with representatives, isn’t it? Yes, it definitely is. However, if you take the time to follow these tips for career fairs, I know you’ll make a great impression on the companies at the event and feel confident in your networking abilities. Remember, no time spent networking is ever wasted! Best of luck! If you follow for these tips for career fairs, you’re sure to make an excellent impression! And, now, you can help others when they ask “how do job fairs work?”

Get help with your resume and cover letter!

If you are attending a career fair soon or are in the market for a new job, don’t make the common mistakes many applicants do such as a general resume or not including keywords that will get your application pushed to the top.

How the resume revision service works:

1. Book the package by visiting my “Resume Help” page.
2. Provide a rough draft of your resume and position description for a job or internship for which you plan to apply.
3. Feedback, revision suggestions, and formatting help will be provided via a one-hour video call.
4. Email availability for follow-up questions and clarification will be provided to clients during the revision process.

Simply book a free consultation or email me to get started!

How can I help?

As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to achieve them! The path to success is not straightforward. My mission is to help you experience true career fulfillment through proactive coaching and career planning.

Book a free consultation today!

How do Job Fairs Work?
Loren Kelly

If you are searching for your next professional opportunity, you are in luck! It is time for 2020 job fairs! Organizations across the nation are gearing up for these events. How can you make your time at job fairs as fruitful as possible? Proper preparation! I’ve been on the organizing end of job fairs, and it is immediately evident to me which candidates have prepared ahead of time! Here are tips for success at 2020 job fairs.

Before: Tips for 2020 Job Fairs

That’s right, the candidates who find the most success at job fairs are the ones who prepare before the event. Here are the five main steps you should take that relate to your success preparing for the career fair:

1. Research the companies you’d like to speak to

Most job fair organizers post a list of the employers that will be in attendance at the event on their website weeks (sometimes even a few months) in advance. Get online and make a list of the companies you are most interested in speaking with at the event. I recommend choosing about five to target during your time at the career fair.

Once you have your list, research those companies. Read their website and blog if they have one. Next, familiarize yourself with their mission, products, and services. Knowing this information will help you make a great first impression and spend your time covering more important topics in the conversation. If you are hoping to secure a summer internship or your first full-time job, be sure to make special notes of any opportunities listed on company websites.

2. Write a list of questions and topics

As you are researching, write a few questions or topics you’d like to discuss with each of the companies on your list. Doing this will help you make a great impression and also help you avoid awkward lulls in conversation that can happen when networking at 2020 job fairs.

3. Apply for any internships or positions ahead of time

If a company is offering an internship or job that you are interested in, submit your application before the job fair. Then, you can use the conversation at the event to mention that you have applied online in hopes that the representative you speak with might pass along your resume or name to the hiring manager. It is appropriate to ask if you can leave a resume with the representative but avoid asking for a “good word” unless you have an existing relationship with the person you are speaking with. Let your impression and demeanor speak for itself. If you haven’t written or updated your resume, get help with it prior to the career fair!

4. Prepare an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a professional introduction. It is usually 30-60 seconds in length and gives a brief overview of who you are, what you have done (experience), what you are studying (education), and where you are heading (a professional goal). Remember, don’t memorize it word for word but rehearse it a few times so you can introduce yourself comfortably and confidently.

Day of the Event: Tips for 2020 Job Fairs

You’ve done the prep work and the day has come! Here are some day-of tips for career fairs:

5. Take a professional folder with paper and resumes

You’ll need a place to store your research notes and the questions you prepared prior to the job fair. I suggest a professional, black portfolio with paper inside and a place to store business cards (see number nine below). You’ll also want to have ample copies of your resume, printed on nice resume paper, in the event you have the opportunity to present one to an employer.

6. Make a name tag

Next, be sure to stop at the registration desk and make a name tag. Write legibly! It goes on the left side of your chest (over your heart), so it is easily visible when you reach out and offer a firm, confident handshake. Why is this important? Because there are many people out there, I am one of them, who are terrible with names. Employers will talk to many students throughout the day. They will appreciate being able to glance down at your name tag for a quick reminder of your name. Plus, the more times they see your name, the more likely it is to stick!

7. Collect a business card at the end of the conversation

This is an important step! Always be building your network. I suggest collecting a business card from every person you talk to (if possible). In between your conversations, take a moment to pause and take a deep breath. Then, write a brief note on the back of the business card. This will remind you of where you met the person and one significant point from your conversation. If someone you speak with is out of cards or doesn’t have one, ask if you may take their email address or connect with them on LinkedIn.

After the Event: Tips for 2020 Job Fairs

Your work doesn’t when you leave the event! Don’t miss the final and very important step of attending a job fair.

8. Send a thank you, follow-up card/email

Finally, there is one very important step that I bet 95 percent of your peers won’t do. A follow-up/thank you card is another way to set yourself apart! One to two days after the event, send either a hand-written thank you note or email to each person you spoke with. Thank them for their time and perspective. This is where those business cards with the notes on the back come in handy! Personalize the thank you message with the one significant point from the conversation. This will help them recall who you are, remember that they potentially spoke with hundreds of students, and ensure you make a lasting impression.

Phew. That’s a lot more than just showing up to the career fair for an hour and walking around chatting with representatives, isn’t it? Yes, it definitely is. However, if you take the time to follow these tips for career fairs, I know you’ll make a great impression on the companies at the event and feel confident in your networking abilities. Remember, no time spent networking is ever wasted! Best of luck! If you follow these tips for job fairs, you’re sure to make an excellent impression!

Get help with your resume and cover letter!

If you are attending a career fair soon or are in the market for a new job, don’t make the common mistakes many applicants do such as a general resume or not including keywords that will get your application pushed to the top.

How the resume revision service works:

1. Book the package by visiting my “Resume Help” page.
2. Provide a rough draft of your resume and position description for a job or internship for which you plan to apply.
3. Feedback, revision suggestions, and formatting help will be provided via a one-hour video call.
4. Email availability for follow-up questions and clarification will be provided to clients during the revision process.

Simply book a free consultation or email me to get started!

How can I help?

As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to achieve them! The path to success is not straightforward. My mission is to help you experience true career fulfillment through proactive coaching and career planning.

Book a free consultation today!

2020 Job Fairs: Tips for Success!
Loren Kelly

My biggest piece of career advice for college students is to complete paid internships! The more the better, but make it a point to complete at least one internship before graduation. The experience and perspective you’ll gain from the formalized, on-the-job experience an internship provides will be invaluable as you market yourself after graduation and identify the best roles for your professional fulfillment.

How do you find paid internships?

I recommend students use two avenues to search for paid internships: word-of-mouth networking and published job banks. The first step a student can take is notifying their immediate network (friends, family, and social network connections) that they are seeking summer internship opportunities in a specific field. Making your intentions known early is key. Your network may not know of any opportunities at the moment; however, when they do hear of them, they will be able to let you know!

The second and very popular way to find paid internships is through published job banks. It is important to note that since this is an easier way to find opportunities, your competition is much greater! As a result, I recommend getting organized and applying to multiple internships that are of interest to you. Without further delay, here are five places to find published, paid internships.

LinkedIn

If you don’t already have one, be sure to make a LinkedIn profile. Follow companies in your industry that you are interested in potentially working for one day and stay up-to-date on their company and internship opportunities. You can also search for jobs and internships using LinkedIn! It is important to make sure your profile is complete prior to applying through LinkedIn though. Don’t leave your education, work experience, or profile photo incomplete!

Indeed

One of my favorite online job banks is Indeed.com. It is very large and allows you to search with multiple criteria. Perhaps you are a business marketing major specifically interested in digital media marketing. Indeed will return a large number of opportunities for a specific search. In addition, you can be emailed notifications when new opportunities arise that match your criteria. A proactive action is to download the Indeed App and spent at least 15 minutes a week browsing opportunities while you are eating lunch, waiting for class to start, etc.

Career Services & Career Fairs

Every university will offer career services to students in some capacity. Locate the office and browse their listings. In addition, this same office likely hosts a career fair each semester. Find out when that is and make it a point to attend. Take a polished resume (link to resume package) and prepare ahead of time (link to career fair article) to set yourself up for success!

Way Up

Way Up is a website designed just for college students and upcoming graduates. That’s right! They do a lot of the work for you by posting positions at companies that don’t require years of experience or fancy industry credentials. They specialize in entry-level jobs and internships – a perfect resource for students looking for paid internships!

Glassdoor

Much like Indeed, Glassdoor is an online job bank that allows candidates to search using multiple criteria (paid internships being one of them). What I like about Glassdoor is that it takes its services a step further! Students can look at company reviews to get some insight into what it is like to work there. That’s not all! Prepare yourself for interviews by looking at lists of questions and tips from candidates who have interviewed with the company previously. This website is an excellent resource for students seeking full-time employment and paid internships!

Jooble

Help Finding Paid Internships

A quality summer internship can very well be the beginning of an extremely successful career for a student. The issue is most students don’t know how to get a great internship and need some help and guidance and really thrive during this process. I can help! I devote each spring semester to coaching students to their first paid internships. Read about my services and the successes of past student clients!

How I Can Help You Get an Internship

Gone are the days of a college degree being the ticket to a good job after graduation. Employers value and expect candidates to have industry-relevant work experience during college. I help students navigate the career planning and job search process to ensure they are set up for success after graduation. Learn more about my services and former client successes!

Book a free consultation to discuss your next internship or job opportunity!

How to Find Paid Internships
Loren Kelly

If you are a student, your time in college will pass in a blink of an eye. Class, exams, social life, your commitments add up and, before you know it, commencement will be here. Then, you’ll start the career that you’ve worked so hard to achieve! One of the best things you can do while at college is to engage in professional networking. Here are five ways to get started!

1.  Engage in Professional Networking on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is low-commitment, high-impact professional networking. There are several benefits to using LinkedIn. Have you ever collected business cards before and then thought, “What should I do with them now?” Connecting with those contacts on LinkedIn in is a great idea. It can serve as an electronic database of contacts for you. It is also a great practice to begin following companies that are of interest to you. Many will post updates on company progress, industry updates, and even job and internship opportunities (link out to job coaching). Following companies you would like to work for is a great way to gain knowledge and perspective for future interviews!

2. Attend job and career fairs

Your campus likely hosts a career fair each term. Attend as many as possible during your time in college. Brief conversations with professionals from industry and companies of interest will help you understand the job market, company needs, and provide insight into job opportunities and hiring timelines. A big mistake many students make when attending these fairs is going in without a plan for professional networking. A list of companies that will be in attendance is usually listed online before the career fair. Do your part to research a few companies and develop a plan of five companies you are most interested in talking to maximize your time. For more tips on making the most of job and career fairs, be sure to read my article “Stand Out! – 10 Career Fair Tips for Students.”

3. Frequent local networking events

Did you know that most towns and cities have free professional networking events? That’s right, they won’t cost you anything but can pay big dividends for you in the long run! It is refreshing to established professionals to see young students attending networking events. They will enjoy sharing their professional journey, current career, and providing an industry perspective. If you commit to attending once a month, you’ll see strong relationships and trust begin to form. When it comes time to search for a full-time job after college, these contacts will be invaluable! How do you find these events? A few of my favorite ways to find free, local networking events is by searching on EventBrite. I bet you will find a LinkedIn Local (in-person, local networking events) or a Young Professional Networking group within minutes!

4. Volunteer, job shadow, or complete an internship

One of the best ways to build a professional reputation and network is to get involved in the industry. Whether you volunteer your time, complete a job shadow, or secure an internship, all of these experiences make your resume stand out. They also help you build lasting relationships and connections with industry professionals. Graduating from college is no longer enough to make you a competitive candidate. Employers want to see relevant involvement and work experience while you were obtaining your education.

5. Join an organization on campus or in the industry

Organizations provide students with many opportunities to network with professionals and gain valuable contacts. Also, the networking opportunities allow you to achieve incredible insight, encouragement, and support from like-minded people. Another option is to seek out organizations with the industry you will be joining post-graduation. A quick Google search will help you identify organizations in your industry. Many of these organizations encourage students to get involved by offering free or discounted memberships as well as reduce-rates for professional conferences and workshops. Finally, another benefit of joining an industry organization is the opportunity to highlight your involvement in your resume and demonstrate your commitment to your industry and your professional development.

Which one of the actions above can you take this semester to engage in professional networking? Besides the useful contacts you will gain, over time, you will notice improvements in your confidence and communication skills. Time spent networking is never wasted!

Want help finding your perfect job or career?

As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to gain career-relevant experience! Learn more about my Career Coaching Services today!

Book a free consultation today!

5 Ways to Engage in Professional Networking
Loren Kelly

I can’t go to the college career fair. I have a class. I have to work. I have a test tomorrow that I have to study for. I didn’t even know there was a career fair. These are all comments I’ve heard from students when asked, “Are you going to the college career fair?” The first comment, “I have class,” is what I want to provide perspective on today.

It was 8 AM Tuesday when I received a text message from my brother-in-law. He is a sophomore majoring in Construction Management and, while I may be biased, he is a total Rockstar. Kevin never misses class, he is very conscious of his grades, the decisions he makes, and setting himself up for success in regards to his future career. He had his summer internship for 2019 lined-up by Thanksgiving of 2018 and will wake up every morning at 4:30 AM to workout. I think you get the point, the kid is super motivated and very dedicated. So, when I got his text asking, “Should I miss class to go to the career fair?” this was a no-brainer.

For decades, students have been fed the idea that to be successful, you need to go to college and get a degree. As a result, we have droves of students heading off to college convinced that their degree is going to get them a good job after graduation. This has led to an “academics first, career planning later” mentality. The truth, however, is that obtaining good grades and earning a degree are only small pieces of big-picture success. Hands down, employers number one request when hiring student graduates is the industry-relevant experience.

So, going back to Kevin’s question, “Should I miss class to go to the college career fair?” what do you think I said? As annoying as it may have been, I responded to his question with a question.

Is your goal to get a degree and perfect grades or to get a great job after graduation?

Missing class to invest in your professional future is not only a smart move, but good instructors will encourage it. In fact, as a college instructor myself, I’ve provided extra credit opportunities to students who attended networking events and college career fairs! The key to this situation is to be proactive. Here are three things you can to in advance:

1. Identify the class or classes that will impact you the least if you miss.

Once you know the date and time of the college career fair, see how that fits with your schedule. Perhaps the stars will align and you won’t need to miss class! Chances are though, there is going to be a conflict. Think about your current schedule. Which classes are easiest for you? Which do you have the best grade in already? Missing a class session in one of these classes is a much better plan than missing a difficult course. Another factor to consider, is the time of day. It is best to go to the fair earlier rather than later. Why? Because companies pack up early if they have a long drive or if there aren’t many students coming through. Going earlier in the day increases your opportunities to talk to the companies you are most interested in learning about and conversing with.

2. Notify your instructor(s) in advance that you will be missing class to attend the career fair.

Take it from an instructor, you want to let your professors know you will be missing class and why. A simple email or notifying them at the end of class the week prior is best. Explain that you are going to the career fair rather than just saying, “I’m not going to be in class.” If they know you are missing for a worthy reason, instructors are much more likely to excuse the absence, allow make-up work, etc.

3. Complete work before the class period and arrange for a peer to take notes.

Regardless of how easy a class is for you, it is still a good idea to work ahead of the class period you are going to miss and arrange for a peer to take notes and update you on what was covered. If you have talked to your professor in advance, chances are you will be aware of what assignments or deadlines you might be missing. Make sure you get that in ahead of time. Then, contact a peer and see what was covered in class. Sometimes more is covered than originally planned, sometimes less. This will help ensure you can pick right up with the rest of the class next time.

So, go to the college career fair!

In short, no time spent networking is ever wasted! Yes, going to class is important; however, if you are a good student with regular attendance, it is worth missing a class or two to invest in your future! You never know who you might meet or the opportunities that may come from it. Kevin had three interviews for summer 2020 internships following the career fair. I would say that choosing to attend the college career fair was a pretty good investment of his time! For more tips to help you be successful at college career fairs, read my article “Stand Out! — 10 Career Fair Tips for Students.”

How can I help?

As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to achieve them! The path to success is not straightforward. My mission is to help you experience true career fulfillment through proactive coaching and career planning.

Book a free consultation today!

Should I miss class for the college career fair?
Loren Kelly

There are students currently in college pursuing degrees in hopes of having a bright career, and then there are students who are taking action to make that bright career a reality. Meet Kevin; he is one of those students who is taking his career fate into his own hands and making things happen. Did I mention he is a freshman? Oh, and he already had his summer internship lined-up before Thanksgiving break.

5 Actions Kevin Took to Jump-Start His Career

1. Took career-relevant courses his first semester.
When he applied to college, Kevin declared Construction Management as his major. Instead of only focusing on general education courses, Kevin enrolled in two career-relevant courses “Construction Industry” and “Construction Graphics” his first semester. Apart from the great perspective, Kevin gained about his future career field, these courses also provided him with the opportunity to connect with the professors of the program and his peers during his first semester. These networking connections and the support system will prove valuable to him throughout his four years.

2. Revised his resume with a professional focus.
That resume from high school just won’t cut it once you are in college. Remove your high school information so you can use that precious space on your resume for information more relevant to your future career field. That is exactly what Kevin did. With his polished resume, printed on professional resume paper, he sought-out opportunities.

3. Attended a career-relevant networking event on campus.
Kevin’s college hosts a Construction Career Fair each semester for students to interact and network with companies across the region. When he saw the opportunity being advertised, he began planning for the event. He attended with his polished resume, just in case the opportunity to provide it presented itself, and a list of the companies with which he was most interested in speaking. Prior planning, such as having a target list of companies to speak with, prior to a career fair or networking opportunity will help you yield the best results!

4. Followed-up with professionals and companies that offered him additional opportunities to connect.
At the career fair, two companies that Kevin spoke to mentioned having summer internship programs for construction management students. He left with business cards in hand and invitations to visit the companies and learn more about the program. The determining factor in Kevin’s success came next, he followed-up with these companies. Follow-up is key! When professionals offer invitations to connect, meet, or visit their company, they are genuine; however, remember that they are busy! Make the extra effort to follow-up; it shows commitment and initiative.

5. Accepted an internship offer for Summer 2019.
When Kevin followed-up with these companies, both of them asked him to interview for their summer internship program. He gladly accepted and was offered an internship on the spot by one of the companies! Not only will he gain valuable perspective and experience this summer, but he will earn a great wage and receive a living allowance in addition.

Join me in congratulating Kevin on his success this semester! If you are a student looking to get started in career planning, consider taking a few of the actions listed above this semester. Parents of students, it is never too early to encourage your students to begin engaging in career planning and career development activities. The perspective gained from these experiences makes all the difference in preparing young people for the workforce!

How a College Freshman is Killing it with​ Career Planning
Loren Kelly