Blog Post: What Not to Wear...To a Career Fair!

Torn or stained clothes (you remember the Tide commercial from the Super Bowl, don't you?)

OK, they may seem obvious but all of these are things that I’ve seen at recent career fairs!  Sometimes we are in a hurry and just forget; other times we decide at the last minute to drop in.  Or you may feel it’s ok to “just browse” and so you don’t need to prepare in any way.  If you are looking for a job, you should ALWAYS be prepared to have a professional conversation with a potential employer, and you should always look neat and presentable.  I understand the weather may turn warm, but for a career event, you need to wear pants (or a skirt) and real shoes!  Depending on the type of position you are seeking, a suit or business casual is appropriate.  When in doubt, dress up!   

Once you have a great outfit picked out, don’t forget about your overall impression.  Leave your backpack or big bag in the car – there is nothing more awkward than trying shake hands with a 20 lb briefcase falling off your arm!  Try a nice portfolio (from any office supply store) to hold your resumes and any company research you have done.  If you need a purse, try a small one and carry it over your left shoulder.  The less baggage you have to worry about, the better! 

Before hitting the floor at the Fair, take a second for a last minute check: ditch the gum, put away the sunglasses, turn off your phone and music, and take a moment to cool off if it was hot outside.  You’ll be ready to focus, have some great conversations and make an awesome first impression!

I'll look forward to seeing you looking great at the Jobing.com Career Expo on Thursday, April 10th, at the Ontario Convention Center!