Career Fair
- Reasons To Attend a Career Fair
- Learn Tips and Strategies From Our Career Counselors
- Determining Appropriate Job Attire
- Independent Contractors and Third-Party Recruiters
- Resources
Reasons To Attend a Career Fair
Regardless of your major, year in college, or future goals, there are numerous benefits to attending the career fair:
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Networking – enabling you to establish important contacts.
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Learn more about careers and internships opportunities.
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Increase your chances of getting an interview with a potential employer.
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Sharpen your job search skills.
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Practice good communication skills.
What Students Have Gained From Attending the Career Fair
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Students learned about a variety of job and internship opportunities and the importance of preparing in advance, including having a polished resume and thoughtful questions for employers.
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Students also gained insight into how essential communication and networking skills are when connecting with potential employers.
Prepare for the Career Fair
Meet with a counselor for personalized assistance to prepare for the Career Fair. E-mail careers@hawaii.edu to set up an appointment.
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Review your resume
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Develop an introduction to use when meeting an employer at the fair
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Get feedback on appropriate dress/attire to make a positive impression
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Construct meaningful questions to help you learn about career options
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Feedback to your follow-up thank you or networking letter
Learn Tips and Strategies From Our Career Counselors
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Prepare a resume and bring copies to leave with employers
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Identify experiences which demonstrate your strengths, skills and abilities
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Stress unique achievements and accomplishments
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Practice a brief summary of who you are and what you have to offer
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Know why you want to work for this company
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Smile, be polite and enthusiastic
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Be well groomed
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Make eye contact and shake hands
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Be articulate and “sell yourself”
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Listen to the recruiter
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Ask for a business card or contact information for follow-up
Questions to ask recruiters:
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What skills or talents are most essential to be effective in this job and/or organization?
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What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success in this job?
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I would like to focus on….What areas in your organization would I be a good fit?
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Are there other positions I might be qualified for with my major and background that I should know about?
- What special advice do you have for a student seeking to qualify for this position?
- What do you like most about this organization? How did you start your career with this organization?
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Compose and send Thank You letters immediately!
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Make a reference to when and where you spoke with the individual
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Reiterate your interests
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Keep a record of your contacts to make follow up calls
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Evaluate your experience for improvement
Determining Appropriate Job Attire
- Button down shirt (e.g. Aloha shirt)
- Khaki pants
- Covered shoes with socks (no athletic/sports shoes; no sandals)
- Long sleeved; collared; button down shirt; necktie; coat (optional)
- Slacks
- Covered shoes with socks (no athletic/sports shoes; no sandals)
- Collared jacket (optional)
- Skirt (at least knee length) or slacks
- Blouse – no spaghetti straps or sleeveless
- Use dark colors; navy, black, gray
- Covered shoes; low heels (no athletic/sports shoes; no sandals)
- Make-up – natural colors (e.g. beige, brown, light pink); fingernail polish should be natural or subtle colors (e.g. clear, beige, light pinks)
Pre-interview reminders:
- Keep jewelry conservative; limit to one ring per hand and use small earrings
- Remove all facial and visible body piercing
- Cover visible tattoos
- Turn OFF cellular phones and digital pagers
Interview Preparation Checklist
- Find directions/parking to the interview site at least one day prior to the interview.
- Research general information about the organization/employer through contacts (friends, counselors, and/or instructors), websites, and newspapers/publications.
- Practice, practice, practice! Attend an interview or pre-Career Fair workshop (click here for workshop topics and schedules) or schedule an appointment with a career counselor by calling (808) 956-7007.
Independent Contractors and Third-Party Recruiters
Find out more about self-employment as an Independent Contractor and job opportunities through Third Party Recruiters.
Download the PDFs below to learn more
Information about Independent Contractors (PDF) Questions about Third Party Recruiters (PDF)Mānoa Career Center does not specifically research or endorse all employment opportunities available through the Career Fair.
We encourage students and alumni to research all opportunities and companies thoroughly before applying.