Equip Yourself for Career Fair Success

Career Fairs can be intimidating. Hundreds of other students. Dozens of companies. I’m a recruiter and I’ve been to dozens of these career fairs, and I can still get overwhelmed. So here are some tips to help you stand out in the crowd at the NRF Foundation Career Fair in NYC.

Do Your Research

Show me you know what my company is, what roles we offer, what we are passionate about. Look at our website. Follow our LinkedIn page. Knowing some of the background of the company helps you stand out as someone who takes time to dig in.

Be Authentic

Everyone I’m going to meet at the career fair has experience and it’s a good possibility they will have a similar degree to yours. Be yourself. Show me why your personality stands out. I’m going to talk to a lot of students - but only one you.

Be Confident

Be confident in what you can bring to the table. You have so much to offer! How do your interests and experience align to our company and the jobs we offer? It’s that simple!

Connect

Everyone tells you to network – but no one tells you what that really means. You want to network with me? Don’t just hand me your resume. Introduce yourself. Ask me how my day is going. Take a moment to connect with me before we jump into the business. I’m human just like you – and I remember people, not resumes. Yes, hand out your resume. Yes, share your contact information. And yes, send a follow up to remind me who you are.

But if you want to continue building your network even after the program ends, start by making a personal connection during the event.

I hope to see you at the NRF Foundation Career Fair in NYC – but even if I don’t, take these tips and go get yourself a great job in retail.