FALL 2020 CAMPUS REOPENING PLAN:
The Fall 2020 semester at Manhattanville College begins August 31. The College is prepared to welcome community members back to campus this academic year in accordance with current guidance from the State of New York and with safety precautions in place. For questions and other communications related to the coming academic year and campus reopening, email COVID-19@mville.edu. Visit our dedicated website here for the complete reopening plan and other up-to-date resources and communications.
Career Fair Prep Checklist
Career Fair Checklist
How to Prepare for the Career Fair
- Find out which companies are attending and the roles for which they will be recruiting
- Make a list of the companies that interest you. Check with the Center for Career Development Website or ask your counselor
- Check the company’s website and Handshake to see if there are current job/internship postings.
- Research the companies in which you are interested so you can tailor your professional pitch to them
- Your level of research should be the same as if you were going to interview with them
- See if you are connected through LinkedIn to individuals in these companies
- Prepare questions to ask the recruiter based on your research
- Draft your 30-second pitch and review it with your career counselor
- Proofread your resume for grammar, spelling, etc.
- Make copies of your resume on good resume paper to stand out (not computer paper)
- Carry a portfolio to hold your documents including resume, business cards, etc.
- Be sure to have a notepad and pen
- Make sure you have proper Career Fair attire; should be the same as if you were going on an interview (professional attire)
Day of the Career Fair
- Get to the fair early to check room set up and plan how to work the room
- Smile and be engaging! Shake hands, make eye contact and state your full name
- It is important to tailor your communication for each company and to connect with the recruiter
- 30-second Pitch!
- Ask questions including next steps in the hiring process
- Network with students and pick up brochures while waiting on line
- Listen and observe how others engage with recruiters to inform/personalize your own approach
- Be aware that recruiters have a limited amount of time
- Ask for the recruiter’s card after the interaction and be sure to leave a copy of your resume
- Make notes to remember information for your follow-up e-mail/letter
- Talk with recruiters at a variety of companies, even if they don’t have immediate openings in your field
- Remember to take your professional headshot at the LinkedIn photo booth
After the Career Fair
- Follow-up within 24 hours with a personalized thank you note by email.
- Don’t send a standard thank you to everyone. Include your interest in each particular firm and remind them of details you discussed in the conversation
- Complete on line applications for those companies who require/asked you to do so
- Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your career fair experience, draft a thank-you note, and/or share your questions or concerns