Job Fair 2010
Thursday March 11
10 am - 3 pm
Campus Activity Centre - TRU

Sponsors:
Royal Bank of Canada	Institute of Chartered                       Accountants of BC
Participating Companies & Organizations: (updated regularly)
BC Hydro Cutting Edge Training Fraser Health Authority Interior Savings Credit Union Operating Engineers Scotiabank TD Canada Trust

What to Expect

The environment of a job fair is usually relaxed and friendly. This "open house" concept makes it very easy to approach employers to network, identify job openings, explore career options and set up interviews. Employers promote their organization and want to identify potential candidates for employment.

The TRU Job Fair is held in the Campus Activity Centre, on the rotunda and in the Grand Hall.  Employers set up individual booths - booths that they pay for. These booths are normally in rows and are staffed by representatives from the participating organizations and decorated with table-top displays. 

Student registration tables are usually located at the entrance to the job fair. Here, you might be asked to sign in, create a name tag, and complete a brief questionnaire. Lists of attending organizations and maps identifying their locations are also available.

To maximize your success at the job fair there are a number of steps you should follow.

Before the Job Fair

• Do your homework and research the companies in advance. This will allow you to market yourself better to the company, as you will be able to see how your skills and experience fits with their organization.  Explore various sites on the internet. On the day of the job fair, pick up additional material, find a quiet corner, and study it in more detail.  You'll make a much better impression if you can demonstrate that you've researched the company.
• If you are looking for a summer job, know what date you'll be available, and have a resume ready.
• If you are exploring occupations that fit with your major or career interests, look over the list of participating organizations to determine which one is a good match.
• Prepare your resume. Print on quality resume paper. Have enough resumes available to give to organizations you are targeting. Cover the basics: your work experience, educational credentials, extracurricular activities, and awards and honours. Be sure to include a daytime phone number and your email address.
• Develop a portfolio or folder to carry your materials.
• Pick up a brochure on interview questions at the Student Employment Centre.  Anticipate questions they might ask and pu together a list of questions you want to ask.
• Practice how you want to present yourself. First impressions are lasting impressions. You should look and act professionally when meeting recruiters. If possible, dress in business attire. At the very least, good grooming is essential. Offer a firm, friendly handshake and be sure to make eye contact to establish rapport.

During the Job Fair

• Convey interest, enthusiasm, and confidence.
• Offer a firm handshake, your name, major, and graduation date.
• Offer the recruiter your resume.
• Convey the knowledge you have of the organization.
• Be able to summarize your experiences and skills.
• Ask about the application process.
• Ask for a business card (after the fair you can use the contact information to follow up with a thank-you card).
• Listen to what they're saying.
• Don't ask about salary or benefits.
• Be aware if there are others waiting behind you.
• Keep an open mind and consider all organizations as potential employers. Many technical firms offer non-technical positions, and vice-versa.  
• Ask questions. Increase your knowledge of industry trends, job options, career paths, training programs, and other information that can help you make a wise career decision. Save your questions on salary and benefits until the company has expressed a clear interest in you. Click here for sample job fair questions.

Job Fair Mistakes

 Here are some of the mistakes employers said students commonly make:

1. Saying, "I'll take anything" or "I don't know" when asked about interests shows a lack of focus. Dressing unprofessionally or in casual clothing.
2. Lacking a resume to leave with interested employers.
3. Confusing a company with its competitor or not knowing anything about a company.
4. Lacking enthusiasm or interest in a company or job opportunities.
5. Asking about salary.
6. Asking inappropriate questions, not asking questions, having a poor or unprofessional attitude.
7. Grabbing free stuff.
8. Lacking communication skills, including not making eye contact and having a weak handshake.
9. Not willing to relocate.

Why Should I Attend the Job Fair? 
Shares four reasons why the Job Fair is an important event to attend.

Job Fair Tips 
Provides useful information for students on how to maximize their visit to the TRU Job Fair.

Job Fair Summary   
Gives a summary of the 2009 Fair.


Questions?  Contact Student Employment
Phone: 250-371-5627
Email: careereducation@tru.ca