Fall Career Fair

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium.

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General Tips

  • Students do not need to register for the in-person fair.
  • For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact the Career Services office at 570-450-3011 or schedule an appointment through Starfish.
  • The Penn State Hazleton Fall Career Fair provides an opportunity for students looking for internships and employment, and recruiters an opportunity to meet and mingle with students. Come to the fair to see what job and internship opportunities are available for your major and build your professional network.

Tips for Career Fair Success

  • Wear business casual attire. Students can borrow clothing from the Career Closet.
  • Sign up for or update your LinkedIn profile. See these tips for building your profile.
  • Prepare your elevator speech and practice it using Interviewing.com.
  • Plan ahead. Check which companies will be in attendance, and determine with whom you want to speak.

If you are coming to the fair to talk about what opportunities exist for your major or career interest:

  • Business casual attire is recommended.
  • Prepare an elevator speech; it will make introducing yourself to the recruiters easier.
  • Practice your elevator speech using Interview Prep.

Description of Professional Attire

Business Casual Attire

Worn daily in many workplaces

  • Clothes should be:
    • Nice pants or slacks
    • Khaki pants or slacks
    • Knee-length skirt or dress (should be knee-length when standing and cover thighs while seated)
    • Sweater, cardigan, button-down, polo, or blouse
    • Jacket, blazer, or sports coat
    • Scarves
    • Ties, optional
  • Shoes should be:
    • Loafers, nice boots, dress shoes, or heels
    • Flats, boots, closed-shoe, or comfortable shoes for walking

TIPS:

  • Make sure that your attire is proper, polished, and professional.
  • No jeans, shorts, sundresses, or athletic wear.
  • Practice wearing your professional clothing before an interview or career fair.
  • Career Services has a FREE Career Closet. Students are welcome to borrow suits, separates, shirts, shoes, and ties for career fairs or interviews.

General Recommendations

  • Clothing should be fitted, not too tight or loose.
  • Clothing should be lint- and wrinkle-free.
  • Belts should match your shoes/attire.
  • Wear moderate jewelry and mild fragrances.
  • Hair should be well groomed.

If you have questions about what to wear, stop in Career Services to talk with a Career Counselor.

How to Work a Career Fair

Prepare in Advance:

  • Have an updated résumé. Highlight skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Use an easy-to-read format with no typos.
  • Research companies before the career fair. Never ask, "What does your company do?"
  • Practice interview skills. Use Interview Prep or Career Services' mock interviews.
  • Know your schedule in case you are asked for an interview.

Day of the Fair:

  • Be knowledgeable about the company before introducing yourself. Review company info from the company website in advance.

  • Show confidence with a firm handshake, smile, and eye contact.
  • Be honest about your experience (focus on positive points).
  • Dress the part. Business casual attire is recommended for all (especially full-time seekers and business students).

Prepare Your 30-Second Elevator Speech:

Include:

  • Your name, graduation date (and career status)
  • Major/field of interest
  • Type of position you are seeking (internship, co-op, full-time)
  • Why you are interested in the company

Example:

"Hi, I'm Rachel Reed, Management Information Systems major, graduating in May 2025. [Pause to allow the recruiter to give their name.] I have experience in systems analysis and networking but am specifically interested in database design and web development. I recently learned that you create interactive 3D data visualization screens at [company name]. Could you tell me more about full-time positions at [company name] within web development?"

Increase Your Chances of Success:

  • Tailor your introduction to each employer you approach based on research and knowledge of each company.
  • Practice your introduction. Assess your nonverbal communication: eye contact, facial expressions, body language, and posture. Practice with a mirror, a friend, online using Interview Prep, and/or with a Career Counselor.

Do...

  • Get an employer location map and familiarize yourself with the layout.
  • Prioritize your employers of interest and approach your top companies before the end of the fair; they get tired, too.
  • Show confidence with a good, firm handshake.
  • Bring different versions of your résumé only IF you have multiple interests; you do not need a tailored résumé for every employer.
  • Visit employers that align with your career goals.
  • Ask for business cards.

Don't...

  • Say "I don't know" or "I'll take anything" when employers ask about your interests.
  • Visit the company tables with friends or in a group.
  • Forget to take notes after your conversation; you won't remember everyone you talked with.
  • Be offended if a company asks you to apply online; many employers use this as their official application method.
  • Sell yourself short; this is the time to mention your accomplishments.

Interacting with Employers:

Questions to Ask Employers:

  • What qualities do you look for in candidates at [company]?
    *Listen for those that you have, then give the recruiter an example of how you have used them.*
  • In researching [company], I saw that you [insert trend here]; can you tell me more about that?
  • What type of training do you offer?
    *Only ask if not stated on company website.*
  • If hired, what type of projects might I work on initially?
    *Only ask if not stated on company website.*

Typical Questions from Employers:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What do you know about our company?
  • Why do you want to work for us?
  • What are your most valuable experiences?
  • What questions do you have for me?

Follow-Up:

  • Always end with: "What are the next steps in the hiring process?" or "Is there an estimated decision date?" and "May I call or email you?"
  • Decide which companies you are interested in and follow up where your conversation left off. If asked to complete an online application, do so and send a thank you note to the employer letting them know you completed the application.

Participating Employers