As we approach the beginning of next semester, it can be quite intimidating preparing for this year’s upcoming career fairs. What to wear? What to say? Who to see? The stress felt from the responsibility to land a job can be overwhelming, but I am here to help. As one of the directors for the Petroleum Engineering Career Fair, I hope to help you be as prepared as possible for your time on the recruiter floor.

Dress

Career fairs are considered business professional events and require you to dress as professionally as possible. For women, business professional attire is typically a below-knee length skirt or pantsuit in a single dark color with hair pulled back and professional closed-toe shoes. A white button-up with a color-matching blazer also seems to be most preferred. For men, business professional attire includes a two-piece or three-piece suit with a tie and pants that fully cover dark socks worn in professional closed-toed shoes. A white button-up and a dark color suit seem to be most preferred. It is important for both attires that your shirts, suits, and blazers be neatly dry cleaned a day or two before the fair and be lightly starched.

Portfolio and Resume

Recruiters and businesses prefer resumes that are easily read and quick to sort. This means resumes should be devoid of color and be organized sequentially from name/address/phone, education, experience, activities, and special notes at the bottom. Make sure that each experience and activity is appropriately labeled with the location of the activity as well as the date the specific activity was performed. All educational data should include your cumulative or major GPA, as well as any certificates or minors you may be in pursuit of. All resumes should be carried in a professional binder known as a portfolio. Portfolios should be black or dark blue in color with little to no wear and tear. If your portfolio seems to be damaged or old, consider getting a new one ahead of the fair.

Elevator Pitch

Elevator pitches are the initial interactions you have with a recruiter of a company that give you time to elaborate on who you are within a short period of time. It is best to limit your elevator pitch to no more than a minute long and to only hit the highlights of your resume. It is important here not to harp on one experience too long, or else you risk not explaining another part of your resume as fully as you wish. It is always best to “practice” your elevator pitch first with a “practice” company that you may not be interested in. This gives you time to get the nerves out before you approach your favorite company.