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A FEW KEY POINTS

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INTERVIEWS	Employers do not conduct formal interviews at this event, so it's a great chance for you to meet a variety of employers and learn about potential opportunities.
YOUR MAJOR	Many of the organizations who are here are looking for students with any major.
INTERNSHIPS	Many organizations are looking for interns as well as full-time employees. Ask about internships, even if internships are not listed on an employer's profile.

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RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATIONS ATTENDING THE CAREER FAIR

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INSTRUCTIONS TO SEARCH:
Log on to EagleLink to search for participating employers; click on the EVENTS tab on the top toolbar, select the Boston College Career Fair. 

NOTE:
You will NOT be able to search for employers if you are in the BC Jobs/Internships tab and you have selected the "show me" option for career fair postings. You will notice that no records are found.

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BEFORE THE CAREER FAIR

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1. Decide what you want out of the Career Fair

To collect information about careers/internships and employers - OR - To distribute your resume to prospective employers for jobs or internships

2. Identify the type(s) of jobs/career fields that appeal to you.

Think about and be able to articulate your skills as they relate to those positions. (You may want to look at our Before The Interview page, even though there will be no actual interviews at the Career Fair.) Concentrate on the type of job you want to do; not what you feel you "should" do. Target your resume to the type of job you want. Set up a resume critique at the Career Center.

3. Research

Research to see who is coming to the Career Fair. Check employers' web sites and do a search of other appropriate sites for more info. Decide your top choices. Determine what questions you want to ask.

4. Review your Skills

Which of your skills/personal qualities most closely match the employers needs? Develop a "presentation statement." Practice a brief introduction highlighting your relevant strong points.

5. Plan What to Wear

Neatness counts. Clothes should be clean and pressed. For internships or fields where less formal attire is required, slacks/skirt with shirt/blouse or sweater is fine. For fields where the dress is more formal, a suit is recommended. Women: pantsuits are fine; check the length on skirts. Don't over accessorize. Focus should be on you, not your outfit. For more information, visit our Dress for Success page. Unsure if an outfit is appropriate? Check with the Career Center staff.

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AT THE CAREER FAIR

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1. Prioritize/Strategize

Review the list of employers

To whom do you most want to speak? Plan to approach your top choices after you’ve spoken to a few other employers. Research on the run

If you haven’t already researched the organization, review the information the employers have with them today before approaching them. You can use the "hit and run" method - go by the table when someone else is talking to the employer, pick up some literature and approach them after you’ve reviewed it. Even better, try "working in pairs," - let a friend pick up the information for you allowing you to review it before approaching the employer.

2. Connect with Employers

First Impressions Count

Check a mirror. No gum. Drink some water, grab a mint so that you'll pass the "fresh test." Approach employers with a firm handshake. Remember to stand tall, make eye contact and smile. Be positive! Be confident!

Emphasize your skills and personal qualities. Do not dwell on any qualifications the employer wants that you do not have. Be ready for a dialogue

Know enough about the organization and career field to ask good questions. Be assertive

Hand your resume to employers and ask for their business cards. Note: Not all employers will accept resumes at the Career Fair. This is likely a corporate compliance policy within the company and not related to you as a potential internship or employment candidate. If someone declines to take your resume, simply ask how you can send your resume to the appropriate person (email, job postings, etc.) to be considered for a position. Always remember to ask for a business card. Ask for an interview! Collect your thoughts

Leave the area periodically. Write notes on the conversations you’ve had so far, decide who you’ll approach next. Just gathering information?

Ask employers for additional sources of information such as people, web sites, books and professional association

3. Need Help?

Come to the Career Center. At the Fair, look for a Career Center staff member at the Career Center Information table.

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AFTER THE CAREER FAIR

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1. Follow up

Promptly send thank you notes to employers who were of particular interest to you. Include your resume. Restate your interest in their organization and/or job. Mailed or faxed notes should be typed. Email is also fine. Contact employers you missed at the Career Fair.

2. Keep Working

Continue informational interviewing and job/internship searching. How to Fiind BC Alumni on LinkedIn. Visit the Career Center and check our jobs and internships page.