4Stepsto

MAKE THE FAIR WORK FOR YOU!

1. Getting Ready for the Fair
• Download or access the “U of Iowa Career Fair Plus” app - save organizations to your “favorites”!
• Read the list of employers participating in the fair. Save the companies you are interested in speaking with as favorites. You will
be more productive if you identify in advance the employers with whom you want to meet.
• Research the organizations that interest you. Review their web sites online, this will help you be familiar with the organization
before you speak with its representatives.
• Write down questions to ask representatives from your targeted organizations.
• Have your resume reviewed during walk-in hours: Mon-Fri, 9am - 4pm or schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor.
• Once your resume is updated, you can submit it to employers through HireaHawk.com. Register at HireaHawk.com. Once
registered, you can also request interviews from employers who are interviewing the day after the fair. Many employers will also
schedule interviews when they talk with you during the fair.

2. The Day of the Fair

• Dress professionally. Professional dress includes a suit or dress, or slacks and a suit jacket.
• Bring your Student ID for check in and copies of your resume to hand out to employers.
• Check in at the “Student Check In” table in Hubbard Commons. Pick up a name tag that indicates your major and graduation date.
Employers like to know with whom they are speaking.
• Refresh at the Student Hospitality Hub, located in Hubbard Commons. You can drop off your bag/coat, grab a quick snack, ask
any final questions, print extra resume copies, practice your elevator speech and get help with the app.
• Plan to visit several times throughout the day. Hundreds of students attend and you may need to spend time waiting in line. Plan
for your own breaks.
• Tips for finding employers: Use the map that is provided in the “U of Iowa Career Fair Plus” app. Employer names and locations are
provided. Ribbons on employer nametags will indicate if they have available internships.

3. Speaking with Employers at the Fair

• Visit targeted companies/organizations first. Gather business cards when you can (for writing thank you cards and/or emails).
Don’t expect to receive private time with each employer. This is an informational fair and a lot of people are trying to be heard.
• Pick up materials from each table you visit. This can help with making a decision about pursuing a job with this employer.
• Tell the company/organization representative about yourself. Be prepared to speak to the employer about your skills and how
they fit with their open positions.
• Ask the representative questions.
• Leave your resume if they accept paper copies. They may direct you to apply online.
• Even if you are not looking for a job or internship right now, gathering information about potential employers is also beneficial.
Walk around and speak informally with company/organization representatives you may be interested in learning more about
and gather pamphlets and business cards that you can use for contacts later on.

4. After the Fair

• Write thank you notes and/or emails to each representative with whom you spoke.
• Continue to research potential employers.
• Attend career seminars offered by the Pomerantz Career Center to learn more.
• Information on preparing for an interview and other aspects of the job search process can be found on our website at:
careers.uiowa.edu/students under the “Search for Job & Internships” section.