Career Fairs are an excellent opportunity to learn more about careers, identify job and internship opportunities as well as network with employers. At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, UMKC Career Services coordinates several career fairs throughout the academic year for students of all academic disciplines. Click here for a complete list of career fair dates, times and locations.
The employers participating in career fairs have a targeted interest in recruiting UMKC students and alumni. While some employers will be on-campus for information sessions and interviewing throughout the year, career fairs remain one of the best ways for you to speak with potential employers.
Preparation and General Information
- Research the companies that are attending before you attend the event. You may find a listing of all registered employers by logging into Roo Career Network.
- Dress professionally (i.e.: suit, dress shirt, and dress shoes). Do not wear jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, khakis, or anything with holes or frayed edges.
- Prepare brief discussion points to have with the recruiters if you are particularly interested in certain organizations, so you may reflect your interest and knowledge of the company in your conversation.
- Schedule an appointment with UMKC Career Services to have your resume reviewed and to discuss any questions you may have as your prepare for the event.
- Bring extra copies of your resume with you to the event along with a pen or pencil to write notes.
Communicating with Employers
- Develop an action plan before communicating with employers. Identify the registered employers who you want to visit and in what order. Depending on your comfort level, you may decide to visit your first choice employers at the beginning of the event so you are fresh or you may decide to visit your first choice employers after you have spoken with others to “warm up.”
- Greet the employer with a firm handshake and good eye contact, ask pertinent questions, and express your interest in opportunities with their organization.
- Tell the company/organization about yourself, ask the representative questions, leave your resume, and make sure you collect their business cards as you interact with the employers.
- Don’t interrupt representatives or fellow job candidates. Make eye contact with the representative to signal that you want to speak with him or her. If that doesn’t work, move onto the next table and come back later.
- Pick up information from each employer you visit.
- Do not exclude employers. Visit all organizations even if you have not familiar with the company.
After the Career Fair
- Send a thank-you card within 48 hours; Following-up with the employer will help you stand out from the rest of the candidates.
- Submit any additional or amended resume as discussed during your meeting.
- Continue to research employers of interest.
- Utilize UMKC Career Services resources such as mock interviews, workshops and resume reviews to help you continue with your information gathering and search process.
