Career Fair Tips

(Click here for tips on interviewing)

Benefits of talking with employers/representatives at the Career Fair:

  • Expand your information about jobs and the job market.
  • Learn more about the world of work in a variety of settings.
  • Polish your business conversation skills.
  • Find out what characteristics lead to success in the jobs you are considering.
  • Realize what skills and strengths you already have to offer employers.
  • Discover courses, skills, training and experience you need to add to your resume.
  • Identify professional journals to read and professional associations to join.
  • Meet people who can help you in your career exploration and job search.
  • Clarify your career goals.
  • Explore graduate and professional school options.
  • Sign up with employers at the fair for the UNI Interview Day on Tuesday, September 20.
  • Have a purpose and a plan in mind before you arrive at the Fair!

Strategies you could use in deciding which employers/representatives to interview might include:

  • Talk with several of the same type of employer (e.g. social service agencies or insurance companies).
  • Check out the same job title at a variety of employers (e.g. sales in insurance or retail organizations).
  • Explore where your major might fit in the job market.
  • Select graduate and professional school programs in which you're interested.

Questions you might consider asking employers/representatives are listed below.

  • Think about what you would really like to know! This is your opportunity to get your questions answered.
  • What positions might a person with my major/skills find in your organization?
  • What general skills and qualities do you seek in job candidates?
  • What advice would you give to someone looking for an entry level position in this field?
  • How is your hiring done - campus interviewing, classified ads, direct application,WWW?
  • What are some trends in this field? What will these trends mean to job seekers?
  • What personal qualities are necessary for success in this field?
  • How important are computer skills (or some other skill) in this field?
  • What is the typical career path in this organization (field)?
  • What are the greatest satisfactions of this field? Challenges?
  • What professional associations do people in this job (field) join?
  • How helpful would a minor (or coursework) in ________ be?
  • What do you look for when you read a resume from an applicant?
  • Would an internship in this field be helpful in obtaining a full-time position?

Questions you may want to ask Graduate and Professional School representatives.

  • What degree programs are offered at your graduate/professional school?
  • How many students are accepted into your program each year?
  • What courses should I take in order to be better prepared for graduate school?
  • What are the GPA requirements for acceptance into the program?
  • What graduate school admission test(s) is/are required for this department?
  • What types of financial aid are available?
  • What is the application timeline?
  • What types of assistantships are available?
  • Can I pursue a graduate degree part-time or is full time attendance expected?
  • What is the student-faculty ratio?
  • What types of employment opportunities do graduates find?