Job Fair
Harper hosts a free job fair each fall and spring semester.
If you were not able to attend the Job Fair, here is a directory to the Job Seekers' Guide to Employers
Job Fair Tips
The first step in the interviewing process is to research the prospective company or organization. This important step is often overlooked and, according to employers, is one of the primary reasons candidates are rejected. It is not unusual for a hiring manager to ask any or all of the following questions in an interview:
- What do you know about our company?
- Why do you think you would be a good match for our company?
- Why do you want to work for our company?
- What do you know about our products, the industry and our competitors?
1. Go to the company’s website for general information, when it was founded, what they make or do, how many employees, company mission, and future plans.
2. Go to company research sites such as
www.wetfeet.com
www.hoovers.com
www.vault.com
These sites offer insight into corporate culture, growth outlook, and sometimes interview tips from people that have interviewed there before.
Update and revise your resume for the positions you are interested in. Bring several copies of it to the job fair.
Need to work on a resume?
- Check out "Right Your Resume," online workshop.
- Examine resume samples and more tips.
- Current Harper students can meet with a career counselor for help with resumes, call 847.925.6220.
- Community members call Community Career Services, 847.925.6293.
Over-prepare answers to common interview questions. Know your strengths, weaknesses, why you want to work for the company, and the answer to ‘tell me about yourself’ by heart. But don’t sound rehearsed.
Videotape yourself or practice with a friend to get comfortable with your answers and to assess non-verbal communication cues. Practice handshake and appropriate eye contact.
Practice difficult questions and behavioral interview questions to prepare answers ahead of time.
Practice using The Virtual Job Interview CD/ROM. The Virtual Job Interview is available on the computers in the Harper College Career Center.
Prepare a list of questions for those employers who interest you. Questions such as: what are the main skills or competencies you look for? Can you describe a typical day?
Dress as if you are going on an interview. Conservative, neat business attire is most appropriate. Turn off your cell phone. Leave children and non-jobseeker friends at home. Smile and be polite. Offer a firm handshake. Chewing gum, eating, and drinking are inappropriate. Dressing professionally will always make a good first impression—and anything else is a risk.
Be sure to choose clothes and shoes that are both comfortable and make you feel good, as uncomfortable clothing may be distracting and affect your interview performance.
Men
- Dress for Success: Men PDF
- A traditional conservative suit; navy, gray, black
- A white long sleeve shirt with a conservative tie
- Professional dress shoes with black over-the-calf socks
- Neat and professional hairstyle, clean-shaven, or trimmed facial hair
- A watch and one ring. Leave the earring at home
- No cologne or after-shave
- Trimmed and clean nails
Women
- Dress for Success: Women PDF
- A well-coordinated suit; navy, gray, black, or any other non-loud color
- A long sleeve blouse in a complimentary color; white, cream, pastel
- Neutral or skin-tone hosiery
- Moderate matching shoes with a medium heel
- Subdued, natural make-up and NO perfume
- Neat and professional hairstyle
- Sparse jewelry
- Manicured nails with light or clear nail polish
Make a plan of action for when you arrive at the job fair. Career Center staff will provide an Employer Guide and floor plan. Take a few minutes to map out which employers you want to talk to. Pick alternatives if there is a line and if you are running out of time. Some employers will not accept resumes because they have an online application system. Keep a notebook handy for employer websites and application directions.
Don't be disappointed, follow directions, and follow up.
Always get the name of the employer's representative that you spoke with. It is best to ask for their business card. Follow up with employers you spoke to within 24-hours of the job fair.
Send a thank you letter to expand on your qualifications.
Be persistent but don't be a pest. Follow up with a phone call or email after one week. The goal is to keep your name on the recruiters mind.
These tips should place you in a position to deliver your best performance during the job fair. You will be professional, knowledgeable, memorable, and an effective self-marketer.
