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Career Fair Guide

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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


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