The Idaho State University Spring Career Fair is taking place on February 16, which gives students an excellent opportunity to network with employers and potentially get a job or internship. Because this is such a great opportunity and easily competitive, it is important for you to be completely prepared to make a good impression. To help you with preparation, we have come up with five steps to give you the best possible chance of creating a network for future jobs or starting a career.

• Research the businesses

The first step you should take is finding out what businesses will be at the fair. If some of them interest you, research the companies to understand what they are looking for in an employee. You might also discover what positions they are filling before meeting with them. With the information you find, you can include skills and any relevant job experience on your resume to enhance your chances of getting a job interview. You can get this information from the Career Center. 

• Get your resume updated and printed 

Make sure your resume is completely up-to-date. If you do not have a resume made, we strongly recommend creating one as soon as possible. Not sure what to include in your resume? View our blog on how to create a great resume here. If you are not sure that your resume looks great, you can make an appointment with the Career Center on Handshake and they will gladly give you recommendations and helpful tips. Once your resume is good to go, print out several copies to take with you to the fair. If a job requires a portfolio, try to bring that as well. Resumes and portfolios will show employers that you are a great candidate and shows off any work you have done in the past. 

• Pick out professional attire 

Do not wear jeans and a t-shirt to the career fair or anything even less formal than that. The goal is to make a good first impression and by wearing professional attire, you will for sure spark employers’ interest. Your outfit should be modest and simple, meaning that you should not wear too short of a skirt or a low neckline top. Try not to be too colorful and avoid flashy jewelry. Wear closed-toe shoes and make sure you look (and smell) clean. If you do not have any business professional clothes, you can visit the Career Closet in the Veterans Student Services office, a clothing-lending program. They will help you pick out interview-appropriate clothes that you don’t have to buy. 

• Practice your elevator pitch 

An elevator pitch is a brief summary of your background and experience. The reason it is called an “elevator pitch” is because it should be short enough to present on an elevator ride. Things you should include in your pitch are: who you are, your relevant experience and what you want to do for a career. Start off by shaking the employer’s hand (ask if they are okay with this because of COVID precautions) and introduce yourself. You can mention what year you are in school and what you major in. Then, let them briefly know your experience and what position you are interested in. To help prepare you with this, try practicing with someone such as a friend or family member. The more practice you do, the easier it will be. Make sure that you are relaxed and avoid sounding monotone or as if you are reading off a card. Do not speak too fast and smile with your voice since employers will not be able to see your face. Also make sure that you have appropriate body language. Do not cross your arms or appear stiff. Remember, this is a conversation. The employer is going to respond and say something as well, so you will have to play it by ear and be prepared to answer questions. 

• Follow-up with employers

When meeting with employers, ask them the best way you can contact them. You should do a follow-up within 24 hours after the career fair. This shows employers that you are genuinely interested and may land you an interview. When following up, make sure you stay professional and keep it short. Most employers prefer emails as a form of communication. Remind them of your name, thank them for taking the time to talk with you and express that you would like to connect more down the line. Double-check your message to ensure that it sounds professional and has no grammatical or spelling errors before sending it. 

Following these five steps should guarantee you a chance of making a great first impression with businesses at this week’s Career Fair. Do your research, update and print your resume, dress professionally and do not forget to follow up. Remember to stay relaxed and take the time to practice your elevator pitch thoroughly. Good luck!