A career fair is a big party.

By: Yameng Zhang


As a new year begins, companies start searching for promising college students. Career fairs usually include company or organization tables or booths where resumes can be collected and business card can be exchanged. Job fairs are good places to meet many company representatives from corporations of all industries and sizes during a short period of time, also, to perform first interviews.

Too serious? Let me put it in this way, a career fair is a big party. Everyone dresses up, tidy suits and leather shoes. We show up at the party, mingle with different groups of people. You see a cute girl, you make your move to ask for her number. Well, it works the same in career fairs.


The only difference is, instead of a new date, you may get yourself a new opportunity at a career fair. And all you need is to get prepared.


Do research
Be aware of who is coming to the career fair in advance. 
View websites or ask the host(s) of the career fair to see the list of attending employers. 
Determine if any matches your career interests and you meet their requirements. 
If you find any attending employers fit you, research them individually.
For college students, check your schedule before the career fair day, figure out which company or organization you want to meet with and which one you really can.


Know yourself
Find out your strengths and have them stand out on your resume. 
Ensure there is no elementary error in your resume. 
Print multiple copies of your resume. 
Knowing which company you are interested in, make a cover letter for each of them. 
If you have any project you are proud of, put them all in your portfolio. 
If you are not a leader in any well-known organizations, you may not need a business card.


Get a professional look
You don’t need to dress fancy, colorful or sparkling. 
No last minute outfits. 
If you need to buy new professional outfits, black or grey is the safest color. 
Don’t go with a superman tie, don’t go with your mini skirt, don’t make yourself sexy, don’t let your clothes out shine you.


I know it may be hard since you are getting ready for the career fair while your roommates prepare for a Friday’s party. But you know what? After the party is over, while they are having a headache, you can be proud of yourself because you just made your first step for your career.