Spring Career, Internship, & Graduate Program Fair
Employers attend the Career & Internship fair with the intent to
hire employees or interns. Your first impression counts. Take
advantage of the tips below and attend any or all of the workshops being held in preparation for the fair.
Make a Great First Impression
Creating a professional appearance is a first step in making a great first impression at any networking event. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind. Men's Business Attire:
- A suit, preferably in a dark color (navy, dark gray, or black)
- Long sleeve dress shirt (yes, long sleeves even in the summer)
- A tie (classic looking silk tie, avoid trends)
- Black or dark brown dress shoes.
- Match belt to your shoes
- Dark socks to complement your suit.
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Men's Business Casual:
- Neat slacks or trousers
- Button down, tucked in shirt
- Leather casual shoes (no sneakers or sandals)
- A jacket and tie are optional
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General Tips for Men:
- Well-groomed facial hair.
- Always make sure your clothes are clean and pressed.
- Remove piercings for interviews and work.
- Wear a conservative watch.
- Be sure to remove tags and the extra stitching from your suit.
- Invest in a nice pair of work shoes.
- General rule of thumb: if you aren't sure your outfit is appropriate for the office, then don't wear it.
- Take cues from professionals in your field about appropriate attire.
- Cologne should be minimal.
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Women's Business Attire:
- A suit in a dark color. Black, charcoal, navy are most common.
- If you choose a suit with a skirt, watch the hemline. Your skirt should be at least knee length when standing.
- Conservative blouse or shell under your suit jacket.
- Closed-toe dress shoes, with a 1-1 3/4 inch heel.
- Hose-NO RUNS! Bring an extra pair with you, just in case.
- Minimal jewelry, perfume and makeup.
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Women's Business Casual:
- Skirt or pressed slacks.
- Blouse, sweater, or twin set.
- Low-heeled professional shoes
- A jacket is optional.
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General Tips for Women:
- Keep makeup conservative and professional.
- If you wear perfume, be conservative. Many people are sensitive to odor.
- Your jewelery should be minimal and professional. Nothing that could create a distraction.
- Hair should be neat and groomed.
- Nails should be neat and well groomed.
- Your purse should be simple and match your shoes.
- Watch your hemlines and wear your shirt falls-too much skin is not office appropriate.
- Take cues from professionals in your field about appropriate attire.
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Resume-bring copies of your resume printed on resume paper. Be
sure to take advantage of the Resume Drop-In prior to the fair.
Click here for resume writing tips.
Portfolio- to hold your resume and they have handy pockets for collecting business cards
Introducing Yourself
Greet the employer with a firm handshake.
Say "Hello" and state your name. Be prepared with a 30 second response
to the common employer inquiry, “Tell me about yourself.” Include
information about your previous employment /leadership /internship
experience, your areas of interest, and why you are interested, and why
you approached that employer’s table.
Establishing Rapport
Come to the Career & Internship fair with a plan. Know
who will be attending and the top 3 employers you want to meet. Click here to learn who is attending March 5th and March 6th.
Research their company-you don’t want to ask a question that would have
been easily answered if you glanced at their website.
- When you are reviewing their website, look for information about
new products, current or upcoming projects, review their mission
statement, etc.
- Review annual reports or other summary materials that are available
- Do a quick google search for other information about that employer
Be prepared to ask the employer questions-this shows you are interested in learning more.
- Ask open-ended questions.
- Avoid any question that can be answered with a simple yes or no.
- What skills and characteristics are you looking for in an intern/employee?
- Tell me about a typical day in your office.
- What advice would you give someone entering your profession?
Ask for their business card, then follow-up in the next 2 days with a thank you note letting them know you appreciated meeting them at the fair.
