Employment Fair -- Make it Work Well For You

Over 100 companies and 450-plus representatives will be available on campus at the Employment Fair, organized by the office of Career Advising & Placement Services at The American University in Cairo. At the Fair, participating companies discuss career opportunities with you and provide you with relevant information about their organizations. To make the best out of the event, follow the tips/suggestions listed below:

Review the Fair’s booklet and plan a strategy: The Employment Fair booklet includes (i) the list of companies represented; (ii) the map of the corporate locations on the Main campus; (iii) list of companies and the corresponding employment opportunities by occupation; and (iv) corporate profile and job openings for each company. Decide on the companies to which you wish to apply and identify their relevant locations on campus. Browse in advance through the job descriptions of positions in which you are interested. Plan to come early enough to meet with all the companies you are interested in.
Research: If you are really interested in a company and want to be a step ahead of other candidates, research relevant corporate information in annual reports, brochures, business magazines, through the internet, or contacts in these companies. Information on most of the companies participating in the Employment Fair can be found at the Career Resources Library located at 5 Youssef El Guindi, Apt.#23. If you do your homework, you can have a more productive conversation at the Fair about the company, its products and its future.
Resume: Prepare a well-written resume that has an objective statement or a profile stating your career aspirations. It is recommended that you bring at least 20-30 resumes to the Employment Fair depending on the number of companies to which you are applying. Make sure to use a resume tracking list to note down the companies to which you have submitted your resume; this will contribute to an efficient follow-up process.
One-minute commercial: Prepare a one-minute commercial about yourself that will briefly, but enthusiastically, show your strengths, skills, experience and interest.
Dress for success: Dress for the Employment Fair in a semi-formal manner (no jeans). A business casual attire (wear pants and button-down shirts for male, and dress, skirt/slacks & blouse for female). Do not forget that your appearance will be evaluated by an employer, and employers are sure to remember the applicants who present themselves in a professional manner.
Ask questions: This is where your homework comes into play. Ask intelligent questions about the company. Use the Employment Fair to learn about your target career opportunities. Make sure to ask for as much information about the company as you can (brochures/informative material)
Business cards: Make sure to ask for a business card from each representative with whom you meet during the course of the Fair. If you have personal business cards, exchange them with the representative. A business card will be your reference while sending thank-you and follow-up letters.
Take notes: Before leaving each booth, take notes of any conversation and possible job opportunities with the company. If the representative calls you later, these notes can be your reference.
Thank-you notes: Always send a follow-up letter to each representative with whom you have spoken during the Fair. You may wish to enclose another copy of your resume.