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 meet with career advisors for feedback. For most MCS fairs, you can “drop” your resume into the career fair book in Crimson Careers when you register for the fair. Watch this short video to learn how to add your resume to the resume book. 
• 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 and plan your commute so you can have plenty of time to connect with employers.
• 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 names, check Crimson Careers for contact information.
• Follow up. Send a thank you email and apply for the opportunities that seemed a good fit.

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