The Employer's Point of View

Did you know the most often cited complaint from employers at career fairs is that students were not dressed in professional attire? Think about it from the employer's perspective. If you were hiring an intern or professional employee, would you be more impressed with a student in a professional business suit or a student dressed in a t-shirt and jeans? Many employers will even make notes on the student's resume of how they were dressed as a reminder of who was prepared and who was not.

Your interaction with an employer at career fairs is considered an impromptu interview, and as such, your attire should reflect that this is an interview. Get more information about appropriate attire.

Samples of Appropriate Career Fair Attire

Preparing for the Career Fair

Be sure to visit the event page from our homepage at www.career.uncc.edu to view a list of which employers are attending and for what positions they are recruiting. Bring enough resumes to give to each employer of interest. 

When approaching an employer's table, make sure you have prepared a 30 second "commercial" to introduce yourself and market your strengths. You will want to tell the employer 1) your name, 2) your major or academic background, 3) what position you are seeking, and 4) why you are qualified or why you should be considered. Also prepare questions for the employer. The questions should not be anything that should already be known such as what they do or for what positions they are recruiting. You should also avoid salary related questions unless the employer brings up the topic first. Sample questions are 1) what are they looking for in an applicant? 2) what can a new employee expect in their first year on the job? 3) what is the work environment like at this organization, 4) what is their hiring time line and process for the position?

Check out our "How to Work a Job Fair" Workshops offered in September on our event calendar at career.uncc.edu.

What to Avoid/Career Fair Bloopers

Other than coming dressed in casual attire some other career fair "faux pas" that are often observed include:

• Traveling in "packs"--show employers that you have confidence by navigating the fair solo; and definitely remember never to hold hands with a significant other.
• Simply going booth to booth to collect free "giveaways"; the fun items at each booth are intended for interested applicants or people seeking information about employment and the organization.
• Don't just leave your resume on the table. Unless you have run out of time and must leave the fair, avoid leaving a resume without speaking to an employer. The advantage of career fairs is the opportunity to make a good first impression in person.
• Inappropriate shoes. Professional attire includes your footwear. Make sure you are wearing closed-toed, moderate heels if you are a woman. Employers can tell if you are having difficulty walking and shoes that belong at the clubs are not appropriate for a job search event.