1. Research three to five firms beforehand
You won’t be able to visit every firm at the fair but check who will be attending on Handshake and pick 3-5 firms to research thoroughly. Explore their websites, note exceptional projects, and be aware of mission statements. Approaching a firm’s table with a deep knowledge of what they are about will make it clear you are serious about working for them.
2. Come with thoughtful questions prepared
At some point, you’re likely to be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” Use the research you’ve done on your top firms to craft at least three thoughtful questions for each of them. General questions are ok as the fair is an opportunity to learn, but make sure that’s not all you’ve got if you’re looking to land a job.
3. Have fun getting to know the firms
While we want to honor our guests by treating the fair with seriousness, don’t be so worried about presenting perfectly that you can’t have a fun conversation. Employers need to know that you’re capable of contributing to their particular brand of work, but they’re also looking for future employees with whom they’ll enjoy working alongside.
4. Remember this is also a networking opportunity
Finding the right job is often a matter of timing, and when time comes, who you know will significantly improve your chances of landing the gig. Even if this year’s career fair doesn’t land an immediate job, the connections you make in speaking with visiting professionals could still prove invaluable down the road. If nothing else, take each conversation as an opportunity to get to know the professionals in attendance.
5. It’s ok to ask how best to focus the conversation
Employers are asked to give students 10-20 minutes. At some point you might wonder if you’re giving too much time to a particular topic (*cough cough* portfolio). If in doubt, it’s totally ok to ask the person you’re speaking with what would be the most helpful use of the time allotted and adjust accordingly.
6. Practice your “five vignettes” beforehand
I’ll reiterate, you’re only going to have 10-20 minutes to speak with each employer. You’re probably going to be asked to share a little about yourself at some point. To help in answering this question succinctly, I recommend coming prepared with five vignettes that illustrate your own journey toward architecture. Keep them short and practice them before the fair. You’ll probably not use all of them in a single conversation, but five will give you options when the question comes up.
7. Lead with your strengths but consider areas in which you’d like to improve
In any interview, lead with your strengths and the things that excite you. Interviewers will pick up on your enthusiasm and better conversations will follow. That said, self-awareness shows maturity. It’s worthwhile to consider areas in which you could improve and how to respond when asked about them. You don’t have to say you’re “bad” at a thing, but you might need to admit you’re still learning and excited for “opportunities to grow.
8. Practice presenting the short version of your portfolio
Again, 10-20 minutes per employer! It’s easy to burn a lot of time talking about a portfolio. I strongly recommend picking two projects to focus on. Practice with a timer beforehand so you know what a ten-minute summary of your work feels like.
9. Application materials at the ready
Students seeking work should bring printed copies of their resume (to leave with employers) and a portfolio (printed or digital) ready to present and discuss. DO NOT bring your resume and portfolio to the GAC happy hour afterwards but consider bringing business cards (which are easily shared should you connect with a professional who you couldn’t talk to during the fair).
10. Dress like you care
Design professionals get a certain amount creative license when it comes to dress code, but you should attend the fair dressed like you want to impress the people with whom you are meeting. Imagine going to a nice dinner for someone you care about. Your choice or clothing reflects your desire to honor the person in question.
11. Express gratitude
If you sit and speak with someone at the fair, don’t just say thank you at the end of a conversation; note who you spoke with and follow up with a handwritten thank-you sent to their office. It’s a simple gesture that makes a consistent impression.
