Decide what you want to get out of a career Fair
Do you want to learn about specific employers, explore your career options, or research the demand for your field and your skills? Do you want to make a one-on-one contact with someone in a specific company? Do you want to practice your interviewing skills in an informal situation? Do you want to apply directly for you or internship openings? All this and more can be accomplished at a career fair!

What to expect
The Maritime Career Day is held at Odyssey's facility with representatives from over 30 companies and organizations. When you enter the facility, you will see the representatives standing by their table, which will be arranged along the walls of or different galleries. There will be several hundred other career day attendees circulating among these representatives. In addition there will be vessels moored in the adjacent marina for vessel tours and crew talks. Without a plan for navigating the fair, it is easy to become overwhelmed or distracted and to leave the fair with out talking to the employers you most want to meet. To get the most out of a career fair, it is important to research the employers who will be there in advance.

Who will be there?
Odyssey will be sending out a list of employers who will be there prior to the event this information can also be found on our website www.ody.org. Past attendants have included Marco, Port of Seattle, American Seafood's, California Maritime Academy, Divers Institute of Technology, Glacier Fish and Todd Ship Yard.

How to research employers
It is important to know a little about the companies that you are interested in before you go and talk with them at a career fair this will help you ask good questions so you know if it is a company you really want to work for. You can find out information about a company by going through new articles, chamber of commerce, or the Internet. Here are some helpful links for researching companies online.

Develop a concise one-page resume appropriate for a career fair. Include the following: School; expected graduation date; GPA; work-related and voluntary experiences, including course projects; outside activities that demonstrate broad interests, leadership and communication skills; computer skills and foreign language fluency.

What to wear
To make the best impression, dress as you would for an interview in appropriate business attire, Remember that a career fair is a "first impression" situation and you will be meeting employers that follow a range of dress codes. According to survey done on employers' expectations regarding dress at career fairs: 56% prefer business casual attire, 32% prefer business suits, and 12% said that dress did not matter. Whatever you wear, make sure your clothes are clean and well pressed.

What to bring
Bring copies of your resume at least enough to pass out to the business that you know you are interested in. Carry a portfolio or business notebook to hold resumes and a notepad to jot down information and questions you would like to ask recruiters. Plan where you will put company literature and the business cards you will collect at the fair.

Plan a strategy. Prepare to follow-up after the fair.
Before you enter the ballroom, pick up information about which employers are attending and a map of the layout of the exhibit booths. By studying the map, you will be able to tell where each organization is located. Take a few minutes to become familiar with the booth layout and mark the location of the employers that interest you.

Target and prioritize specific companies. Identify 5-7 companies of greatest interest to you. Plan to talk first with lower priority companies on the list so you can rehearse your presentation before talking with your top priority companies.

Ask for a business card and inquire about the best way to follow-up on your interest in their company. After the career fair, you will want to write a short thank-you letter to employers with whom you spoke, thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in their opportunities. Send another copy of your resume with the thank you note!

Prepare and practice a brief (one - two minute) introduction to use when meeting with company representatives.
Typically you will spend only 3 -7 minutes with each employer. To make the most of the career fair you will need to approach the employers, introduce yourself, and discuss your strengths and how thy math with the employer's needs. To communicate all this information in a short amount of time, preparation and practice is essential! Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel comfortable. It is important to appear confident and enthusiastic.

Be direct. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and a smile. Give your name and say what your major interests are. Mention the types of opportunities in which you are interested and describe the skills and experiences you would bring to the position. If time, you many want to ask questions about the company and their opportunities to further underscore you interest. Do not apologize for lack of experience; rater describe how your academic studies and interest apply to the opportunities the employer has available. Answer questions clearly and concisely. Have your resume available and offer a copy to the representative.

This meeting creates a crucial first impression; make a good impression requires preparation and practice!

Be yourself and don't forget to smile!