This was selected as Best Answer

I am not a recent gradaute, but I work in career services, so I can probably offer some insight.

I find that most of the intimidation comes from lack of preparation and fear of the unknown. Until now, everything has been mapped out for them and people were "rooting" for them. Attending a career fair means moving on to the next stage of life and that in itself is intimidating. Therefore, many avoid preparing for it. They also tend to realize at that point that they don't know what they want to do!

Also, many students seem hesitant to believe me that recruiters are not out to scare or upset them .... I think that thought comes from "horror stories", the handful of not so good recruiters and their lack of knowledge/understanding.

I have noticed that some students seem overwhelmed when they attend the career fair and they get too nervous to approach the recruiters. A few years ago, my office began working with Alumni Affairs to have alums serving as mentors at the career days. They approach the students and talk to them, give them direction and will introduce them to recruiters. We have gotten a lot of positive feedback on that.

Hope this helped you!

posted 3 months ago

Hi Ryan

Good question for a student attending a job fair ....

Attending a job fair is another part of that philosophy that says “your whole career is a conversation.” It is a relationship building activity. A proactive person views meeting someone at a job fair as an opportunity to develop a networking relationship. It is not a life or death situation, but one of exploration for opportunities for both parties involved. It may be the beginning of a long-term relationship and the utmost respect is top priority.

When you go to a job fair you are going to meet people that you have not met before. Also, keep in mind, that they have never met you. If you have developed your keen sense of self-awareness, you will be conscious that many people are a little shy when they first meet someone new. This may be the case with the person you are going to meet at this job fair, therefore, your objective is to leave the interviewer’s table with the interviewer feeling better about himself/herself than before you arrived.

It is not likely that you would get this type of advice from most career counselors in preparation for a job fair, but this is really the most important element. You see, people tend to hire people they like. People like other people who make them feel good about themselves.

There is nothing to fear. The job fair was created for you, the future grad. Take accountability for yourself. Know who you are which is self-awareness. Be yourself and build relationships.

All the best,
Pat

posted 3 months ago