Do's and Don'ts of the Career Fair on March 6

February 17, 2020

During a job interview, many people know not to announce their main job as a psychic and insist on reading the palm of the interviewer, sing responses to questions, bring a pet bird in their shirt, or feel the interviewer's chest for a heartbeat to "connect heart to heart." Unfortunately, some interviewees have actually done these, and many more, unexpected and unappealing actions resulting in the loss of a career opportunity and possible connection.

While many job seekers know not to announce their main job as a psychic and insist on reading the palm of the interviewer, sing responses to questions, bring a pet bird in their shirt, or feel the interviewer's chest for a heartbeat to "connect heart to heart," some people have made these and other outrageous mistakes costing them a job offer1. In fact, around nearly of employers decide if an applicant is worth hiring within the first five minutes of an interview2.

Capitol knows its students are far more professional and prepared for interviews with potential employers, but in preparation for the on-campus Career Fair on March 6, 2020, here are some less obvious tips to ensure successful encounters with employers attending the event.

Do’s

  • Bring extra copies of your resume
  • Dress professionally including, but not limited to knee-length dresses or skirts, button-up shirts, slacks, dress shoes,
  • Speak clearly and concisely
  • Research companies of interest before the event for talking points
  • Be honest about your skills and aspirations
  • Bring a notepad and pencil/pen to take notes
  • Be courteous
  • Project positive body language including making eye contact, standing/sitting up straight,
  • Demonstrate field-based knowledge
  • Be engaged in conversations
  • Smile
  • Take advice

Don’ts

  • Wear inappropriate or casual (i.e. pajamas, flip flops, active wear including sweatpants, etc.) clothes
  • Curse or use defamatory language
  • Lie
  • Act arrogant or disinterested
  • Use your phone or another device for personal reasons
  • Argue – they are not the only potential employer and you are not the only potential employee

 

References:

  1. CareerBuilder. (2016, February 22). Employers Share Strangest Interview Mishaps and Biggest Body Language Mistakes. Retrieved from  http://press.careerbuilder.com/2016-01-14-Employers-Share-Strangest-Interview-Mishaps-and-Biggest-Body-Language-Mistakes.
  2. CareerBuilder. (2018, January 14). The Most Unusual Interview Mistakes and Biggest Body Language Mishaps, According to Annual CareerBuilder Survey. Retrieved from  http://press.careerbuilder.com/2018-02-22-The-Most-Unusual-Interview-Mistakes-and-Biggest-Body-Language-Mishaps-According-to-Annual-CareerBuilder-Survey.