Tips to navigate larger employer events

MCS has several career fairs coming up in the next few weeks. These events offer a valuable opportunity for you to connect directly with employers. Career fairs can vary in size and industry focus, making it important to approach them strategically. To make a lasting impression and stand out, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. Read on for expert tips, adapted from our “Career Fair Success” workshop, to help you navigate these events with confidence.

Before

• Know what companies will be in attendance. Take a look in Crimson Careers, and make your short list of companies to connect with.
• Research, research, research. Identify the employer culture, mission, & skills valued​, review organizations’ social media accounts, and talk to alumni​. Use company websites, news outlets, and websites like glassdoor.com and LinkedIn.
• Prepare/update your resume. Check out the MCS templates, and come to our daily drop-in hours for feedback. For most MCS fairs you can “drop” your resume into the career fair book in Crimson Careers after you register for the fair.
• Brainstorm questions to ask. Asking thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your research will help you learn and make a positive impression.
• Prep your introduction. Often called an elevator pitch, give your name, concentration, and year in school​, and summarize relevant experience (internships, classes, projects) and skills in 30 to 60 seconds.
• VIRTUAL: Set up your tech. Check your internet connection, lighting, and any other prior instructions regarding registration & sign ups.

During

• Know where you’re going. Make sure you head to the correct location!
• Dress to impress. Check out our blog and webpage on what to wear to employer events, while still being authentically you.
• Bring: your Harvard ID, copies of your resume.
• Collect business cards. Whether they’re the paper kind, QR codes, or snapping a pic of the recruiter’s email (with permission of course!).
• VIRTUAL: Watch your background & body language and considering connecting your audio via dialing in when possible. This way, if you lose internet or video, you can still have a conversation.

After

• Connect with recruiters. LinkedIn is your new best friend. If you didn’t snag a business card or forgot their name, check Crimson Careers for contact information.
• Follow up. Send a thank you email and apply for the opportunities that seemed a good fit.

What About AI?