Email a Friend

Digg

Click below to hear audio tips from INROADS.

Career fairs all play the same: You shuffle to different company booths, offer your elevator pitch, politely nod as the company representatives spew company facts, hand them your résumé, and never get that call for an interview.

What's wrong with you (or your son or daughter)? And if you are from a traditionally underrepresented group, is there something in particular you are missing?

André Lee, director of recruitment for INROADS--a nonprofit organization that trains and develops talented youth of color for professional careers in business and industry--says it could be your attire or overconfidence, or because you ask inappropriate questions.

"The first thing people notice about an individual is his dress," says Lee, who manages a team of 13 national recruiters on more than 350 college and university campuses, bringing more than 30,000 applicants annually. "People should also be conscious of their overconfidence and the questions they ask."

Listen to find out the overall purpose of career fairs.

While it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, orientation, gender or disability, recruiters say it's particularly important for young people from traditionally underrepresented groups to steer clear of the common pitfalls most first-time job seekers fall into because not all companies welcome diversity.

DiversityInc has compiled a list on how to get noticed by recruiters at career fairs.

No.1: Dress to Impress

To get the part, you have to look the part. Your professional dress is directly tied to how seriously you take your job and, therefore, is very important when making a first impression. Dress professionally--and conservatively.

"It's important to dress as if you are going on an interview," says Lee. "I always advise people to wear business-professional attire."

No. 2: Be Prepared

Preparation is key. Consider each encounter you have with a recruiter to be a mini-interview. While it is impossible to foresee which questions the recruiter will ask, having your résumé handy and an answer to general questions such as "What makes you a good employee?" or "What are your best work attributes?" will make an impression on the recruiter.

"During career fairs, there are so many people. You should be prepared to do a 30-second introduction," advises Lee. "That introduction should include name, major, degree, level, graduation date, career objectives, and highlights your internships and why you chose that company."

Listen to Lee's advice on the best strategy for making the most of career fairs.

No. 3: Listen

It's easy to politely nod your head and tune out the company reps.

WRONG! Instead, pay attention, because often company reps give follow-up instructions. "Listening is extremely important and like any other interview, most employers are looking at general interest," says Lee.

No. 4: Leave With Something

"The most important thing you can walk away with is a business card," says Lee. Business cards are often the gateway to getting that interview.

Company brochures are also very important. While on the surface they may seem like a waste of trees, they can actually be quite informative, often providing information on the company's benefit packages and antidiscrimination policies.

Listen to Lee explain why getting the business card can be the gateway to getting the job.

No. 5: Follow-Up

There is no such thing as a "too-soon" follow-up. "It is important to follow up with recruiters within two days of the career fair," says Lee.

Following up with recruiters not only shows your genuine interest in the company, it also builds a relationship between you and the company. Send thank-you notes and be polite. Be persistent, but don't stalk.

More Career Advice >>