How to Work the Career Fair

welcome to the boston college career fair

A FEW KEY POINTS

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.


Not sure about your career plans?

OR

Have a clear idea of your career plans?



Search the organizations attending the 2009 Career Fair

INSTRUCTIONS TO SEARCH:
View 2009 Career Fair Participants or log on to EagleLink to search for participants. 
Log on to EagleLink click on the EVENTS tab on the top toolbar, select the Boston College 2007 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.

   Not sure about your career plans?

If you are uncertain about your career direction, or you want to explore career possibilities, or you want to gather information about employers:

  • Have casual conversations with B. C. alumni at the "Careers in . . ." Tables.
  • Visit over 120 potential employers offering jobs or internships. 
  1. Have a very brief presentation statement ready (name, class year, etc.; "I'm interested in learning more about . . . ").
  2. Determine what questions you want answered before you approach an employer or an alumnus or alumna at the "Careers in . . . " Tables.
    Some examples:
    "Tell me what a typical day in your job is like."
    "What skills, education and experience are required in this field?"
    "What are typical entry-level jobs in this field?"
    "What advice do you have for a student considering this field?"

 

   Have a clear idea of your career plans?

BEFORE THE CAREER FAIR

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.

AT THE CAREER FAIR

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.
  • 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 associations.
  • Get additional information at the "Careers In" Tables.

3. Need Help?

  • Come to the Career Center.
  • At the Fair, look for a Career Center staff member at the Career Center Information table or check with one of the Alumni Career Guides.

AFTER THE CAREER FAIR

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