10 tips for career fair success
As part of my executive board position with MSU PRSSA, I serve as the director of PR Links, our annual career fair catered specifically to public relations students and professionals. With planning well underway for the February 12 event, I’ve compiled my list of 10 tips for PR Links success, and they can certainly be translated to other career fairs as well.
BEFORE THE EVENT
1. Do your research. The PR Links committee has set up a blog that is updated daily with a list companies that have RSVP’d for PR Links. Check out the Web sites of the companies you are interested in and learn about their cultures, practices and clients.
2. Prepare your “elevator speech.” Create a 30-second pitch about yourself that serves as both an introduction and a brief summary of your experience/skills. To do this, be sure to think about your strengths and, from a recruiter’s perspective, what points they might like to hear about you.
3. Have a plan. Make sure you know which companies you want to speak with the most so you can try to visit them first. Think about questions you might be asked and how you would answer them.
4. RSVP for the pre-event reception. This is a fantastic opportunity to speak with some of the professionals in a more casual environment. Tables will be set up in the lobby with name cards, and each table will have a random mix of students and professionals. There will be different PR topics at each table, with some background information and possible discussion questions to spark the conversation. (note: this tip is specifically for PR Links)
5. Know what you are looking for in an internship. Internships are not all the same. It is important to think about what qualities you are looking for in a company and in a job. Do you want to write a lot? Do you want to pitch to the media? Do you want to plan events? Know what you are looking for and ask the representatives you talk to if their internship can offer you that experience.
AT THE EVENT
6. Look professional. A business suit is an important investment for the public relations student, and they can be purchased within any price range. Avoid wearing shoes that are uncomfortable or difficult to walk in, and be sure you are not revealing too much.
7. Be prepared with the proper materials. Have plenty of resumes (printed on resume paper) on hand and business cards if you have them. A padfolio is a nice way to organize these, and can also store any brochures or informational packets you pick up at the event.
8. Avoid clumping together in groups of students. Networking can be nervewracking, but you won’t make connections if you do not talk with the company representatives! Grouping together is a natural tendency, so be conscious that you are making the most of your time at the career fair.
9. Do NOT just stand in line! At career fairs, it is common for major companies to have long lines of students waiting to speak with them. If a big company you are interested in talking to has a long line, visit some other companies with shorter lines while you wait for the big company’s line to go down. You just might be surprised at the opportunities you might find.
10. Be genuine. Remember that the professionals are there because they WANT to talk to you. Think of the event less as looking for a job, and more as building connections with companies in the industry you are studying. And remember, a smile can never hurt!
What tips do you have to add for students planning to attend PR Links or any upcoming career fair? What have you found to work (or not) at these events?
