Five tips to help you succeed at Job Fair

Job fairs are a fantastic opportunity to connect qualified students and alumni with local employers and industry leaders who are actively recruiting for full-time, part-time, co-op and seasonal roles.

Employers participate in Durham College job fairs because they recognize and value the hands-on skills and experiences students gain at DC. And all of our programs are developed to meet employer and industry needs so we have exactly what they’re looking for.

To make the most of this opportunity, here are a few ways to prepare for a job fair:

Update your career marketing toolkit

Before the job fair, update your resume and LinkedIn profile to include your education, skills and experiences. Make sure you have a professional email address, a work-appropriate photo on LinkedIn and printed copies of your resume. You may also want to refer to your resume if asked to fill out a job application.

Unsure of how to write a resume or create a LinkedIn profile? DC’s Hired portal has a step-by-step guide and offers regular events to help you.

Practice your elevator pitch

Job fairs can be a great opportunity to meet people in your industry. Be prepared for anything from a brief conversation to a more in-depth, on-the-spot interview. Craft a 30-second elevator pitch where you introduce yourself, highlight your skills and express your career aspirations.

Dress the part

Whether the standard for your industry is business casual or jeans and work boots, ensure you are dressed neatly and reflect the professional expectations in your field. Make sure your clothes, hair and facial hair are clean and tidy. Avoid wearing ripped jeans, flip flops or slides and T-shirts with graphics or messages. Skip strong scents or go scent-free.

Unsure of what professional work wear is in your field? Check in with a faculty member in your program or access resources via DC’s Hired portal.

Give yourself time

Hundreds of students attend job fairs and some booths may be exceptionally busy. Give yourself enough time to work your way around the room to network with employers. Take the time to speak with employers even if there’s a wait. If the job fair coincides with a class, speak to your instructor about your plans to attend so they’re aware that you may miss a class or arrive late.

Be ready to network

Make a good impression by being calm, friendly, smiling and shaking hands with prospective employers. When speaking with employers, focus on the positives related to your skills, education and prior work experience. After speaking with employers, jot down a few notes for your reference about the interaction as well as any follow-up steps such as a reminder to apply online.

The Durham College and Ontario Tech University Job Fair will be held on the Oshawa Campus on February 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre in Gyms 3, 4 and 5.

The Whitby Campus Job Fair will be held on February 8 in the Main Building (Atrium and Hallway) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keep up-to-date on Job Fair 2024 by following @GetHiredDC on Instagram, using #GetHiredDC on social media or visiting the Hired Portal.