What to wear to career fair

RedSox33RN · Feb 2, 2005

Our school is having the spring career fair in a few weeks. I know how to dress for interviews but how do you dress for career fairs? DO you take resumes or just get info? The fair begins at 1 pm and we have class from 900-1200 so I'm not thrilled about the idea of needing to be dressed up for 4-5 hours prior but I'll do it if that would be best. Any suggestions?
PS I'm graduating in Dec.

I've only been to one or two, but not for nursing. I always dressed nicely - like when I went to a tradeshow and was representing my company. I think a blouse, blazer and nice slacks would be fine. I always bring my nice shoes, then put them on right beforehand (that way you don't have to sit in class in them) because dress shoes are just way uncomfortable for me.

I always brought along current resumes, minus any references (give those on request) and minus personal info like your SSN (I had a colleague do that once. I never did, because you never know WHERE your resume and that piece of info will end up, so be safe.). I also wrote a "generic" letter about myself, and what my goals were for my career, but I'm not sure if that is warranted or necessary for fairs. I did it because the industry I was in at the time was so competitive. Make sure you get cards/info from who you left your resume with, phone number, etc, and what THEY are looking for. They may have packets for prospective employees - like benefits, etc., which may be helpful to look at before you decide to leave a resume.

Good luck!

KRVRN, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2005

I agree with WannaBEanRN regarding your dress. Take a fresh shirt and nice shoes with you so you don't have to wear them during class (then your shirt will look fresher too). Look professional and do your hair professionally too. Carry a professional-looking folder to keep several resumes in. Print your resumes on that nice 100% cotton, water-marked paper. If you add a cover letter, make it sound vague enough that you can pass it out to several different areas. If, however you have your heart set on a certain area of nursing and you think they will be represented at the fair, print a few that are specific to that area (but take some all-purpose ones too). Gather info from the representatives and ask questions. Make a good impression on them, since they just might have a lot to do with the interviewing and hiring!

Maggie in NC · Feb 4, 2005

Dress like you're interviewing. You are previewing for an opportunity to be invited to interview-dress as such.