Make the most of your time at the Career Fair by getting prepared.
The Checklist
1 Update your resume.
Have your resume updated and make sure you have several copies available to hand out to potential employers.
2 Dress the part.
Be sure to dress in a business or business casual manner to show potential employers they are important enough for you to dress up for. First impressions count!
3 Have your work portfolio information ready.
Your portfolio could include classes relevant to an area or company, volunteer jobs, part-time work, languages or travel experience, work experience courses, projects completed on a specific career topic or contacts in the industry.
4 Know your goals for your career.
Know what you want from a job or a career, and be prepared to explain your goals to employers.
5 Familiarize yourself with the employers in attendance.
Familiarize yourself with the people attending the fair by reviewing their on-line biographies or profiles.
6 Research the companies you are interested in working with.
Know the company's products, services, people and successes. Find out how and why you fit into their company. Explore their web sites.
7 Develop your questions.
Develop a set of thoughtful career-related questions for potential employees.
8 Practice introducing yourself.
Practice introducing yourself and your goals.
9 Practice your elevator speech.
Develop and practice your elevator speech (a one- or two-minute summary of who you are, your background and experience, and your future career goals).
The concept behind an elevator speech is to prepare a brief summary that introduces you to a potential employer in a memorable fashion, emphasizes your strengths, showcases your uniqueness, and assists you in beginning to build a new relationship.
Below are several example elevator speeches, excerpted from Work Experience Course AGSC 496.
Mark Bomford
My name is Mark. I’m currently completing my Agroecology Degree, and have a background as a manager for an urban agricultural non-profit company. I have strong computer skills, with experience in web design, network management, and programming. I spend much of my time exploring communication design, and am seeking to work in an area that incorporates agroecology and site design.
Joel Gfeller
My name is Joel Gfeller. My passion for food and my knowledge of science have brought me to UBC to study Food Science. I am extremely comfortable working with people and have a great deal of experience working in labs. I see my future consisting of continual chef training and working overseas for high-end food service companies.
Eiman Raouf
My name is Eiman Raouf. I have a Bachelor of Science in Food Science. I am loyal, hard working and am able to perform various laboratory techniques and have a passion for the food industry. My future goals are to operate and manage a food processing plant, be a food safety consultant or a research and development scientist.
Anita Ho
My name is Anita Ho. I am currently in UBC in the program of Food Science and minoring in Commerce. I have experience working with Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, word processing and designing web sites. I have laboratory skills such as titrations, pH measurement and recrystallizations. I am good at creating ideas, solving problems, selling ideas and meeting goals. My future goal is to work in the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in International Relations.
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Nervous at the thought of talking to employers?
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Wondering how to approach people at the Career Fair?
Why Network?
Networking increases your chance of getting employment. 80% of jobs are not advertised.
Attend a Free Networking Workshop and learn the best way to present yourself and how to have a relevant conversation:
- why it is important to network
- what tools networking gives you
- how to speak to company representatives
- what to bring to a career fair
Be proactive in your career education sooner than later -- start networking!
Dates/Times/Locations: UBC Networking Workshops will be offered:
Tuesday, January 27, 5:00 – 6:30pm - Wesbrook 100
Registration for UBC Workshops is required.
Online Registration
Please contact:
Kimberley Rawes, kimberley.rawes@ubc.ca
UBC Career Services offers a wide variety of programs and resources to help students make the most of career fairs and career development in general.
Future Mapping Future Mapping is a career self-management program to help UBC students build satisfying careers.
Career Fair Preparation More tips and resources on preparing for a career fair.
Self Assessment Tools Take stock on who you are and what skills you can offer employers.
Improving Resume, Cover Letter and Interview Skills How to make yourself stand out.
For even more resources on how to prepare for your career, please see the UBC Career Services Web site or visit in person. [map]
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