If that statement scares you, and if you're a first-year, this article could SAVE you.
This big event is happening on Wednesday, September 30 from 11:30 to 2:30 in Gantcher gym (where Fall Gala was). The Career Fair can be overwhelming and intimidating, but that should only be the case if you have no idea what you're doing. Hopefully after reading these steps and tips, you'll have the confidence of a junior/senior (but without the actual pressure to find a job *thank goodness*).
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| Confession: The only two times I've gone to the gym were for Fall Gala and the Career Fair...what is exercise? (Career Center) |
Before the fair
1. Update or create your professional resume! You and the delete button are really going to get to know each other during this process...Although there are some aspects of high school that can still be used in a first-year's college resume, (i.e. GPA, related experiences, outstanding achievements) most of your resume will need a MAJOR college makeover.
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| My high school resume (www.buzzfeed.com) |
2. Make it work! This event is all about first impressions and interactions, so presentation is key. If you put effort into a professional outfit, employers and recruiters will see that you are serious about wanting to speak with them. Luckily, for first-years, you don't necessarily need to wear a suit, but definitely no gym clothes (even though we're in Gantcher) and no sloppy looking clothes. (Tip: wear comfy shoes walking TO the fair, and change them before you start meeting employers--let's not relive the struggles of walking in heels to Fall Gala)
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| Looking good can make a municipal building look like a runway (www.vulture.com) |
3. Get the Career Fair App! Use the Tufts Career Fair Plus app to get all the information you need for the fair. With the new app, you can add career center events to your phone's calendar, find career fair tips, see a list of employers and view a map of employer tables.
The app is perfect for organizing your plan at the Career Fair - use the app's list of employers, filter your search by job type or major, and favorite the ones you're interested in seeing. Read their bio on the app and link to the company website. Then, use the map to know where their table is located. It's called the Job Hunt, right? You got to strategize your attack!
At the Fair
1. Take it all in...Get a feel for the setting. It can be intimidating to be around so many recruiters, but there's no need to rush right into it. Notice where everyone stashes their backpacks and extra stuff before heading out to fair. Also, the Career Center will have a table right at the entrance to answer any questions or concerns you have.
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| If you feel like this at the Career Fair, come by the Career Center table. Please. (fictionalcharactermbti.tumblr.com) |
- You name, class and (prospective) major
- Things in your background that relate to the particular employer (activities, interests, projects, research, work, volunteer experience...)
- Questions to keep the conversation going such as: Could you tell me a little more about the internship program that you mention on your website? What skills/experiences do successful interns have?
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| This should not be your main selling point... (www.cosmo.ph) |
3. Be mindful. Be aware of your body language. (just be an attentive listener - good posture, good eye contact, and try to hide the fear in your eyes...) Also, be considerate to other students who want to speak with the employer. If you see a huge line forming behind you, don't be a jerk. Ask for a business card to continue the conversation later (Tip: write down notes about the conversation on the back of the card!).
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| Don't be a jerk, cuz Andy's allergic. (giphy.com) |
After the fair
1. Reflect! Think about what opportunities sounded cool and what companies you liked. Also research the company or the person you found interesting, too, before you forget.
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| Be true to your interests. Be Ron Swanson. (uproxx.com) |
2. Follow through! This can be done in two ways (neither of them use a basketball)
One: Write a follow-up email to the people you talked to thanking them for meeting with you and attach a resume. Don't let your resume be lost among the pile - make an impression whenever you can before you lose the connection.
Two: Apply to the internship that they are offering. Just so you know, adding your resume to the pile at the fair doesn't count as applying for the job. Some employers at the career fair will take your contact info and send you an application, but most times, YOU are going to take the first step. If this frightens you, come by the Career Center for a cover letter writing session and any other application support you need!
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| Don't come barging in with your resume three years later - Follow up immediately! (www.indianapolismonthly.com) |
My final piece of advice? You got this! At your first career fair, you have room to learn and room to make mistakes, so put on that suit jacket your mom made you bring and go forth!
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| Career Fair? Please, you got this. (www.buzzfeed.com) |
Thanks for reading!
Nina Joung
Class of 2018
