Career Fair Guide
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
The
Mini Guide
to the
Career Fair
Table of
Contents
Welcome
to the
Career Fair!
02
03
04
05
06
07
08-09
10
11
Welcome to the Career Fair
The Career Fair
Reasons to attend the fair
Before the Fair
Conceptualize your goals
Prepare your resume
Attend the Career Fair Prep Series
Resume Sample
Questions to ask and expect from employers
Prepare your elevator introduction
Research potential employers
Prepare professional attire
During the Fair
Arrive at the fair
Enter the ballroom
Meet employers
After the Fair
Follow through with employer requests
Get ready for interviews!
Resources
The career fair is a great opportunity for you to meet potential employers, and to learn about
internships or job opportunities. The fair brings a range of employer representatives of companies or
agencies and students together for conversations that can lead to job opportunities as well as build
and grow networks that shape and guide your career path.
‹ The Career Fair ›
The Career Fair will be held in the Campus Center
Ballroom. At the fair, individual or team employer
representatives will bring materials and information
to recruit students and other qualified candidates
for positions in their organization. The fair is a
large event that will usually have a range of 50
to 80 employers stationed at tables or booths in
a large open area within the ballroom. They will
share about opportunities in their company, agency
or organization, and recruit students for a range
of positions from temporary, seasonal work to
internships and full time jobs. The larger portion
of attendees are the students or alum seeking
employment or internship opportunities.
‹ Reasons to attend the fair ›
In addition to looking for job postings, a very practical, effective way to find a job or an internship is
essentially to network - to meet, talk and build networks with employers. The career fair is an event that allows
you to do just that - build sound, professional relations and networks with employers who may hire you to
work for their organization.
There are many other reasons to attend the career fair. Employers are more likely to hire a candidate who has
internship experience. If you are looking for an internship opportunity to build on experience that is relevant for
your field of study or industry, the fair is a great place to get started. Perhaps you are required to attend the fair
for a class assignment. If this is the case, the fair is a great experience to become familiarized with networking
and job searching as well as to learn about different companies or agencies. Perhaps you are looking for part or
full-time employment to supplement your income while attending school, or to get a meaningful career started
as a new graduate, or to make a career change as an alum/working professional. In any case, the fair is an ideal
venue for job hunters.
02
Before the Fair...
Conceptualize your goals
My goals for this fair are:
»
Goal 1:
I plan to: meet with an employer from ________
For this upcoming fair, plan to make the most of
your time. Here are some ways to get started.
Assess your goals.
Why do you want to attend this fair?
What will I get out of this?
Attend the Career
Fair Prep Series
Be sure to attend the
Career Fair Prep workshop series
that are held just before the fair.
They will be held virtually on Zoom
CAREER FAIR PREP WORKSHOP SERIES
tips for career fair success
resume and cover letter: market yourself on paper
14 things you should know about the interview
»
Goal 2:
I plan to: find employers who offer internships related to my interests
»
Goal 3:
I plan to: gain an interview
»
Goal 4:
I plan to: build my connections with people in this industry
The answers to these questions will set the
framework for your resumes, interviews,
networking conversations as well as your
discussion with employers at the fair.
Meet with any of our career counselors to
help you uncover your relevant skills and
get strategies on ways to articulate them
to potential employers.
03
‹ Prepare your resume ›
Bring enough copies of your resume to provide
for employers you are planning to talk to. We
recommend bringing at least twenty copies of
your resume. Be sure to reflect back on your
accomplishments, honors, awards, involvement
with student organizations, projects, coursework
as all of these are part of the relevant experience
you need to show to potential employers. The
following page includes a sample resume that
uses a suggested reverse chronological format
and features relevant experience. Make an
appointment to meet with any of our Career
Counselors as we can help you to organize your
resume and help you convey your employable skills
to sign up to attend, please go to
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/careercenter/students/workshops/
or contact us at
careers@hawaii.edu
04
Resume Sample
Questions to Ask and
Rena Sandoval
1234 7th Avenue
Honolulu, HI 98118
(808) 455-0000
rsand10@hawaii.edu | linkedin.com/in/rsand10
Profile
Communications major with strong public speaking skills; aspiring for a public relations or marketing related internship
Education
University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa
Bachelor of Arts in Communicology/ Minor in Filipino Language and Culture
Major GPA: 4.0/ Cumulative GPA: 3.83
Ateneo de Manila University
Study Abroad
Studied intensive Tagalog language courses; visited various cultural and historical sites in Central Philippines
Honors and Awards
University of Hawaiʻi Regent's Award
Arts & Humanities Dean's List
Hawaiʻi State Seal of Biliteracy in Tagalog
Relevant Coursework: Marketing and Public Relations; Principles of Effective Public Speaking
Relevant Experience
City and County of Honolulu Poʻokela Fellows Internship
• Interned in the Office of Human resources
• Shadowed and assisted senior administrative office staff
• Organized and inputted personnel information using Excel spreadsheets
Other Employment
Barista, Starbucks Drive-Thru Kahala, Honolulu, HI
Honolulu, HI
December 20XX
Manila, PI
May - July 20XX
August 20XX - Present
Fall XX, Spring 20XX
May 20XX
June - August 20XX
June 20XX - January 20XX
Expect from Employers
Prepare questions to ask employers
Be ready to ask questions such as...
»
»
»
»
»
»
»
What types of positions are available?
What qualifications do you look for in an ideal candidate?
Prepare to answer questions from employers
Be ready to answer questions such as...
»
»
»
»
What is a typical day like for someone in this position?
What does the hiring process look like?
How long have you been with this company?
What do you like most about this company? Least?
What kind of person is most successful in this organization?
Tell me about yourself. (your elevator pitch is a good response)
What made you interested in this company?
Why do you think you are a good fit for this company?
What are your strengths?
?
?
?
Leadership and Community Service
Vice President, Katipunan Club at UH Manoa
January 20XX - December 20XX
• Elected to Vice President in June 20XX
• Collaborated with various campus organizations to plan and organize and hold fundraiser and large
campus events
• Developed social media page for the student organization and increased membership by 120%
Peer Mentor, Manoa Advising Center
January - May 20XX
• Mentored individuals and groups to help undecided students choose academic programs
• Provided overview of program and graduation requirements
Student and Professional Affiliations
American Society of Speech & Communication
Katipunan Club
05
07
Prepare Your Elevator
Introduction
The elevator speech is a 30-60 second introduction that includes a professional greeting, a short mention of
your status, interests and articulates what you want to achieve. Practice with friends until it becomes natural
and flows with ease. Follow these steps to prepare your introduction.
Hi. My name is (your first and last name) and I am pursuing a
(name of degree) at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. I expect
to graduate in (semester year). I am interested in (field of interest).
My strengths, skills are in (list up to three of your greatest details or
strong points about yourself). I am currently involved in (describe
any leadership/ volunteer/ student or community organizations
you are involved with). I feel that my (skills or interests) align
well with this field. I would appreciate any advice you could
share about (finding an internship or job) in this company.
Here are some examples of elevator introductions:
Malia
Kara
Hi, I'm Malia Martin.. I'm a junior at the Shidler College of Business with a focus on Marketing. I am interested
in a summer internship position with Citimark where I can use my communication and data analysis skills.
Could you describe some projects an intern would work on in your marketing division? Thank you!
Hello. My name is Jared Li, and I will start my sophomore year this fall in Philosophy. I also am an active
member of the Entrepreneurs Association where I have gained skills in sales, product development
and have participated in several fundraising events. I would like to learn more about any internship
opportunities within your organization, and would appreciate any advice. Thank you for your time.
Hello, my name is Kara Thompson and I am a senior in Mechanical Engineering and will graduate in
spring next year. My strengths are in design and testing, fabrication and prototype development. I am
a great team player and recently completed a group project where we designed a functional hybrid
boat as part of my involvement in the Mechanical Engineering Club. I also completed an internship
with NorPac Industries where I worked with senior engineers on several design projects. I would
appreciate any advice on finding an entry level position in your company. Thank you for your time.
Research potential employers
It will be important to know all about who is attending. Take a look at their company or agency
website and know their mission, aims. organizational structure and types of services they may offer.
Any information you gain can help you formulate great questions for these employers when you
attend the fair. Access and review the employer websites on the Manoa Career Center page link:
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/careercenter/list-of-participating-employers/
Jared
Prepare Your
Professional Attire
Attending a career fair is like going to a job interview. Your body language and attire matters. In a
recent survey, 65% of employers said that professional attire could determine which of two nearly
equally qualified candidates is hired for a position (NACE Benchmark Survey, 2015). Therefore, one tip
to help you make a great first impression is to come to the fair in clean, coordinated and comfortable
professional attire. Here is a guide to help you choose appropriate, professional attire from business
casual to more formal. For your personal health and safety you may want to be prepared to wear a face
mask. Guidance is determined by UHM's COVID-19 Guidelines, https://manoa.hawaii.edu/covid19/
Attire selection
• Select your attire based on what is considered appropriate for your
profession. Fields such as law, banking and accounting often have
stricter, formal guidelines, while some retail and sales organizations may
allow more casual and trendier dress.
• Determine the appropriateness based on the employer's regional location.
• Seek information on the dress code by asking a career counselor. When in
doubt, dress on the conservative side.
FORMAL BUSINESS ATTIRE
suits
• Single breasted, two piece suit in navy or charcoal grey
• Suit consisting of a skirt and jacket in navy blue, black, dark grey or khaki
shirts or blouses
• White or colored blouses that complements the suit
• White or pale blue shirt, with either an oxford or spread
collar tie that complements and adds color to the outfit
pants, skirts or dresses
• Slacks consisting of navy blue, black, dark grey
or khaki colors that match with the jacket and
coordinate with dress shirts
• Dresses or business skirts that cover the knees
footwear
• Black or cordovan colored shoes and matching colored belt
• Closed toe shoes with flat or low heels
08
BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE
As companies promote individual cultures and environments, their dress code may allow employees more flexibility in
dress. There are numerous opinions on what is business casual. Some employers consider appropriate business casual
attire to be khaki pants and short-sleeved polo shirt. Others may require slacks and a long-sleeved shirt. Business
casual is also defined by the geographic location, industry, as well as individual employers. When in doubt, dress
conservatively and lean toward the business rather than casual side.
business casual outfits and accessories
• Tie may not be necessary but business or sports jacket
may be appropriate
• Blazer or vest may be worn
• Solid colored pants with solid or striped shirt
• Flat or low heeled shoes
• Belts, scarves and other accessories should not detract
from the outfit
accessories
It is important to dress for work by matching your style to the industry and job. Look at the industry you plan to work
in. If you have any question with regard to accessories, err on the side of simplicity. Accessories should enhance your
appearance rather than dominate your look.
jewelry
• Tasteful and simple pieces. No distracting clunky pieces or
long necklaces
• Refrain from dangling and multiple earrings
• Body piercing jewelry, i.e. nose rings, eyebrow rings, lip
rings, is removed
final point
SMILE - Project confidence and a positive outlook
Tasteful and simple pieces
Refrain from dangling and
multiple earrings
Body piercing jewelry, i.e.
nose rings, eyebrow rings,
lip rings are removed
Solid colored pants
Hair that is cut and well-groomed
Facial hair is shaved and/or neatly trimmed
White or
colored
blouses that
complements
the suit
Dresses or
business skirts that
cover the knees
Navy
Blue
Black
Aloha printed shirt can
substitute for a dress
shirt when appropriate
Dark
Grey
aloha attire (hawai'i/ pacific islands)
• Aloha printed dresses may be worn when appropriate
• Aloha printed shirts or blouses can substitute for a dress
• Clothes are neatly pressed and any tattoos are covered
• Hair that is cut and well groomed. Facial hair is shaved
Khaki
shirt when appropriate
grooming
and/or neatly trimmed
• Fingernails are cleaned and trimmed
• Brush your teeth and use deodorant. Keep cologne or
perfume to a minimum
• Makeup that is subtle and in good taste
• No gum chewing
Shirt with either an oxford
or spread collar tie that
complements and adds
color to the outfit
Pale
Blue
Single-breasted, two piece suit
Navy
Blue
Black
Navy
White
Charcoal
Grey
Slacks that match
with the jacket
and coordinate
with dress shirts
Dark
Grey
Khaki
During the Fair...
Arrive at the Fair
The fair will be held at the Campus Center Ballroom which is located on the top floor of the Campus Center
building. Please arrive early. The fair will begin at 10 am. Try to allow at least 30 minutes for you to meet
the employers you want to see. Keep in mind that employers will leave promptly at the end of the fair.
As you proceed to Campus Center, you’ll see ribbons on the
stairwell that will guide you to the entrance area. At the
entrance, there will be an Information Table staffed by Manoa
Career Center staff and student assistants who can answer
questions and provide information to help you navigate the
fair successfully. They will provide you with a handout that
shows the layout of the tables where employer recruiters are
located. The handout will also help you identify employers
by various career clusters such as business, education,
human services, science, information technology and more.
Enter the Ballroom
When you enter the ballroom, take some time to walk around and become familiar with the physical layout
and know where your prospective employers are located. Observe the interactions and dynamics. Some
employers may have a line of students waiting to meet, while others may present information about their
company to groups of students all at once. Be ready to adapt to their style of interaction. Once you decide
to approach a table to meet with an employer, be ready to provide your polished introduction or “elevator
speech. Here are some steps to follow.
Meet employers »
Finally,
When you meet an employer, here are some steps you can take
• Smile, give eye contact, and deliver your brief, 30-60 second elevator introduction
• Introduce yourself by telling the recruiter your name, year in school, major or program and
anything unique about your studies or special interests.
• Mention your career interests and area you would like to pursue
• Discuss what you can offer in terms of your accomplishments, skills, strengths that are most
relevant to the needs of that company or organization. Draw your information from projects,
classes, internships, research, study abroad, campus jobs or leadership and volunteer work
• Tell them your purpose for attending the fair and why you are interested in that company and
how your skills align with their needs
• Talk about your goals, and mention what you hope will happen (gaining an interview for a job
or internship, building your network in that field and keeping in touch with them)
offer your resume. Thank the employer for their time and ask for their business card or
contact information. Hopefully, from this point forward, you’ll be referred for an interview.
09
Flat or low heels
Black or cordovan colored shoes
10
After the Fair...
Follow through with employer requests
Employers may advise or encourage you to apply online or upload your resume to their site. This can help you
move along in the job search process. Keep organized records of the employers you’ve met and your conversations
with them. Be sure to thank these employers for their time and any advice or referrals they may have provided.
Here is a sample to help you write short, follow up thank you emails to an employer
after the fair:
Dear Ms. Algones,
Resources
It was a pleasure to meet you at the fall 20XX Career Fair. As mentioned, I was particularly interested in the Student
Intern Position for Summer 20XX. I have submitted my resume and application materials to the site as recommended,
and I have also attached my resume to this email for your reference.
Thank you again for attending the fall Career Fair and sharing about internship and career opportunities in your
organization. I hope to keep in touch and speak to you again in the future.
University of Washington Career Center. (2016). Interview Tips That Will Get You the Job Offer.
Unnamed contributor. (10.12.21). Job Fair Questions Students Need to Be Prepared to Answer. https://
work.chron.com/job-fair-questions-students-need-prepared-answer-11037.html
Warm Regards,
Marian Wu
Viv, S. (2022) . 7 Kinds of Questions to Ask at a Career Fair to Make a Great Impression.
https://www.themuse.com/advice/questions-to-ask-at-career-fairs
Get ready for interviews!
You may have an interview as a result of your attendance and interactions with employers at the fair. If there is
enough time, please be sure to make an appointment to meet with a career counselor for a mock interview to help
you prepare. Also, be sure to see us if you have any career or graduate school planning related questions.
on behalf of all of us at the manoa career center,
have a great fair!
11