Career Connections: Employer Visits & Job Fairs

Job fairs provide a great opportunity for you to meet employers who represent a wide range of industries. Find out how to make the best impression on recruiters and make the most out of attending a job fair. Learn what to say and do during the first 60 seconds to make the recruiter want to explore the possibility of hiring you.

Employer recruiting events are held in the College Center - HUB from 10 am to 1 pm throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Stop by to speak with a representative to learn about the company and what positions they are recruiting for!  Click HERE to view the Events page on the WCTC website and view the upcoming employer visits. 

Prepare for a job fair:

Need help with your resume?  Attend a Virtual workshop offered by Career Connections:

• Resume 101 - online workshop (self-paced)
• Resume Review – do you have a resume that needs feedback? Schedule an appointment for a 20-minute review, call 262.695.7848.

Resume Questions? Email: careers@wctc.edu

Companies send recruiters, human resources staff, supervisors or current employees to the fair for the purpose of:

• Marketing their company
• Establishing a pool of applicants
• Pre-screening applicants for interviews
• Interviewing

Your goal is to make positive contacts with potential employers.

Success Begins Before the Event

• Research companies who are participating in the fair. 

• Create a priority list of the employers to visit. A map of employer booths may be provided the day of the fair and may be available online earlier.

• Prepare a one minute "elevator pitch" to introduce yourself to the company representatives to demonstrate:
  •  that you know something about the company
  •  why you’re interested in working for them 
  •  how your skills relate to what you know about the company’s needs.

For example: "Hello, my name is____ and I'm graduating in May with a degree in Hospitality Management. I’m very interested in events planning and coordination. I was on your website and saw that you sometimes offer positions in that area. Can you tell me more about those positions?" Practice your pitch out loud!

• Develop a current, professional resume or have one critiqued through Career Connections so it's in tip-top shape because it's the employers' first impression of you.  NOTE: Most companies will ask you to complete an online application instead of asking for your resume. However, it is still important for you to bring hard copies with you.

• Bring a list questions to ask employers. For example: "What kind of skills and experience do you look for in the employees you hire?" "What kind of entry-level positions exist within your organization?" Don’t ask questions for which the answers are on the company website.

• Be ready to actually interview at the fair.

The Day of the Fair

• Dress as you would for an interview.
• Make eye contact as you introduce yourself to the representative. Shake hands firmly.
• Smile! Be enthusiastic and project interest in the company.
• Ask questions about the company. (See samples above.)
• Find out the best way to follow up and who the contact person is.
• Thank them for their time and ask for their business card.
• Make notes after you leave a company as they will be a handy reference should they contact you.

Follow-up After the Event

• Send an email and another copy of your resume to the employer representatives of companies of particular interest to you. In the email, briefly thank them for speaking with you at the job fair, highlight your qualifications for the position, and restate your interest in interviewing with the company.

• Make follow-up phone calls if appropriate.

262.695.7848
careers@wctc.edu - Main e-mail
HireTalent@wctc.edu - Recruit WCTC Talent

Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location
Pewaukee Campus
College Center, Room C-021
800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072

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