SILC Career Fair

Your powerful introduction should briefly highlight who you are, your interests, passions and career goals such as licensure, clinical hours or specific training.
It should be concise (about 30 to 60 seconds) and tailored to the types of employers you’ll meet at the fair. Practice speaking confidently and remember
to make it engaging and clear.

Take time to learn about the organizations attending the fair. Understand their mission, values, products and any recent news. Familiarizing yourself with their job openings, culture and what they’re looking for in candidates will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest.

Think of insightful questions you can ask recruiters. Avoid questions easily answered by reading the organization’s website. Instead, inquire about the organization’s culture, opportunities for growth that align with the goals in your introduction and the hiring process. This shows your enthusiasm and curiosity about the position and organization.

• Stick to business casual or business attire: Think dress shirts, blouses, blazers
  or neat dresses. 
• Avoid overly casual clothing: Skip hoodies, t-shirts, pajamas or anything you
  would lounge in at home.
• Choose solid or neutral colors and avoid loud patterns or bright colors.
• Grooming matters: Make sure your hair is tidy and your overall appearance is neat.

• Start with a friendly greeting: Begin with a simple “Hi, my name is [Your Name],
  and I’m interested in learning more about [Organization Name].”
• Be clear and concise: Recruiters are often speaking to multiple candidates. Introduce
  yourself quickly, mentioning your interests and what you’re looking for.
• Show enthusiasm: Let your interest in the organization or role shine through your
  conversation. Highlight the programs or initiatives offered by the organization.
• Be mindful of time: Recruiters may have limited availability, so be respectful of their
  time by staying focused and asking relevant questions.

Briefly step aside after each conversation and do a quick mental reset before moving on to your next employer engagement. It helps stay confident, avoid overwhelm and can improve each interaction.
 

During your scan and reflect moments, you can ask yourself:
• What went well in that conversation?
• What did I learn about what I want (or don’t want)?
• What’s one thing I want to try differently at the next table?

After the fair, send a thank-you email to each recruiter you spoke with. Express your appreciation for their time, mention specific programs or initiatives you discussed and reiterate your interest in the organization or position. Personalizing each email shows you were engaged and thoughtful.

Search for the recruiters you spoke to during the event on LinkedIn. Send them a brief, personalized connection request - mention where you met them (e.g., “It was great speaking with you at the [Organization Name] booth at the virtual career fair”). This helps keep the connection active and may lead to future opportunities.