Myths of Career Fairs

There are two kinds of people:

1. Those who go to Career Fairs
2. Those who don't

And in my time at the Career Center I've heard many reasons why students do not attend, but I'm going to focus on the 3 main ones and bust those myths!

1. I can't go, I'm only a first-year student or Sophomore!

Yes, a lot of companies are looking for Juniors or Seniors for various internship and full-time opportunities. But that doesn't mean as a first-year student or Sophomore you're not eligible to attend! Attending career fairs is a skill that can be practiced, especially if you've never attended one before (it can be overwhelming at first!). By attending you can get comfortable with the process, as well as prepare for opportunities in the future. Let's say there is a company you KNOW you want to intern with, but unfortunately, they can only take Juniors. As a first-year student, you'd probably feel out of luck. But by attending the career fair and talking to the recruiter can help you gain insight on the types of experiences they want to see on your resume, so by the time you're a Junior, you will be the ideal candidate!

2. I'm not looking for a full-time job right now!

Yes, recruiters are looking to fill full-time opportunities, but a lot of recruiters are also looking to fill internship and volunteer opportunities as well! Similarly to the situation in the first myth, even if you attend just to get comfortable with the process, it gives you a pretty good idea of what types of opportunities there are and what you can do to prepare to be the ideal candidate when the time is right!

3. There are no companies coming for my major!

Totally a myth. Most companies are looking to fill a diverse number of positions, and the company name is not always a perfect representation of what those positions are. A real estate company is not always looking for real estate agents, they could be looking for an event management intern! The tip here is to be open to different companies and organizations, as well as do some research on the types of positions looking to be filled. When you attend a Hofstra Career Fair, we provide you with a booklet of all the employers and jobs to be filled. I suggest taking some time to review that book and see what companies are hiring for the types of position you want to apply, you might be surprised which company it could be!

In the end, a Career Fair can be a very rewarding experience in more ways than one. So be sure to stop by our Career Fair today, at the Mack Sports Exhibition Complex from 11-2, or to any of our upcoming Career Fairs (all can be found in the 'Events' section in Handshake). And if you feel you want some preparation for the fair, be sure to reach out to all the folks at The Career Center, we're here to help!

Anne Monique Concepcion,
Graduate Assistant

Why The Career Fair Is For You

POP QUIZ!!! When is the Fall Career Fair?  If you answered, Wednesday, October 22, then congratulations! The Career Center’s Fall Career Fair offers you a chance to meet employers face-to-face and ask about their job and internship opportunities.

Employers from many industries will be there to meet YOU. Yes, that’s right, YOU!! Over the years I have heard many reasons (excuses) as to why students do not attend career fairs.  I would like to address those concerns here

1. The employers there are only looking for salespeople.

Not true. Yes, there are always going to be a fair amount of sales opportunities. Think about it, pretty much every company uses sales staff in one way or another. However, there are plenty of opportunities in other areas as well.

2. I am not graduating yet so there is no need for me to go. 

Not true! Many of our employers are looking to hire interns or volunteer workers. This is a terrific opportunity for you to gain work experience that is related to your major and career goal while you are still a student.  Not sure of your major or career goal? An internship is also one of the best ways to “try on” a career to see if it fits.

3. I don’t have a resume. 

Well, that one is a problem; you do need a resume for the career fair. However, The Career Center counselors are here to help you create a resume, or revise the one that you have. To get resume assistance, you can either make an appointment with a career counselor, or come to The Career Center during our Quick Question hours. Quick Question hours give you the opportunity to meet with a counselor for a quick resume review without having to make an appointment; you can just come see us Monday-Friday at any time between 10-11 or 2-4.

4. I don’t have anything to wear. 

Yes, you do need to dress professionally for a career fair, but chances are you do have something appropriate in your closet, or on the floor, that would do. Just be sure to iron it first.

5. There is nothing in my major/industry. 

While we try our best, we cannot always accommodate every single major at every single career fair.  But you should always take the opportunity to come and meet with employers. You never know what they may have for you. Accounting firms have marketing people, hospitals have human resources staff. At the very least, you are making connections with people.

See you there!

Darlene Johnson,
Director of External Affairs