UMass Amherst is always hosting companies at career fairs for a variety of majors here on campus!

Career fairs are great opportunities for students who are seeking out a job, internship, or general exposure to the hiring process. These fairs are a great way to network with companies and individuals while building your personal brand. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, this is an opportunity for all students to take — it is never too early to start gaining experience.

Here are some tips for students who are planning on attending career fairs that will set you up for success, whether it be in networking or seeking employment:

Bring Your Resume

Having printed copies of your resume at hand or in a folder is always an essential part of attending any career fair. These are documents that are a way for recruiters to look at students' credentials, as well as to learn more about the experiences individuals bring. 

There are ways to improve your resume to stand out among all the other applicants and candidates at these fairs. Researching the company or a job posting allows you to gain insight into what the employer is looking for. With this information, you can target your resume for that job. Whether it is including a work or volunteer experience where you demonstrated the skills the company is asking for, or a class that you have taken, targeting your resume for a company increases your chances of passing the resume search. 

Lastly, get as many eyes as you can on your resume. Sometimes you may miss some punctuation errors, which another person could catch. UMass Amherst offers many resources to students to have their resumes double checked and reviewed. 

Practice Your Elevator Pitch 

Elevator pitches are very useful at career fairs, which are often chaotic and crowded as many other candidates are trying to talk to recruiters as well. In a short time limit a personal interaction can go a long way in allowing the employer to learn more about you as an individual as well as your long-term aspirations. With this said, your pitch should not be a word for word memorized speech. Instead of focusing on having the perfect pitch it can be more beneficial to think of stories and previous experiences to have in mind when talking to the recruiter and answering their questions. Be confident in what you say and keep it professional but also at the end of the day your personality should come through your pitch!

Build Your Personal Brand 

Branding is one of the most significant ways that an individual, company, or organization allows themselves to stand out. Branding is what allows Coca-Cola to differentiate and build itself against competitors like Pepsi. Each company has its own branding that allows it to be recognized and remembered. 

It is important to build your own personal brand going into such career fairs. Whether it be the skills and aspirations you have that contribute to your future and set you apart or an experience, show how you as an individual are unique and what you can offer. Recruiters like to see individuals who stand out from the crowd and will remember you.

Do Your Research 

The most essential part of attending a career fair is researching the companies that are going to be present there. If you are seeking employment and there is a company coming you desire to work for, research is essential to success. Get to know the company and learn more about what it entails and what some of its long-term goals are. In addition, research the position you are applying for and know all of the qualifications it requires. This will allow your responses to be targeted to the company showing your eagerness to work for them specifically. It shows that you are serious, and you have come prepared. Alongside research, it is also a good idea to come up with a set of questions based on your research for the recruiter. Having specific questions shows your commitment to be involved with the company, and employers love to see this. 

Wear Professional Attire

Depending on the career fair you choose to attend, there may be a specific dress code to follow. Some career fairs follow a business casual dress code, while others are strictly business professional. Knowing the difference in the articles of clothing for these two is important. Make sure your attire is right for the fair and when in doubt it is better to dress business professional and be more dressed for the event than less. 

In addition to dressing the part, make sure you feel the part! You should feel comfortable and confident in what you wear. The last thing you want to worry about at a career fair is your shoes hurting or your blazer being too tight. Bring your business clothes to campus and make sure to prepare your attire and try it on so you are the most comfortable you can be. There are many other small details of attire including hairstyles, perfume, cologne, closed-toed shoes, and jewelry. Make sure to research these components and be prepared. And remember, it is okay to stand out and get creative with your attire as long as you follow the dress code! 

Follow Up With Recruiters

If you talk to a recruiter for a job you want or just to network, make sure you leave them with a copy of your resume. Along with this, it is great to send a follow up email to this individual. This can be addressed to thank them for the time they spent talking to you, as well as reminding them of who you were among the large pool of applicants. It is a polite way to say thank you while also showing them how much the job means to you. Staying in touch with recruiters even if you do not intend to apply for a job gives you the opportunity to create a connection for when you are ready to apply. 

The biggest tip when it comes to career fairs is to stay calm, collected, and confident in yourself!