Job Fair Check List and Sample Thank You Letter ... - Ohlone College

Bring copies of your resume to submit to employers.
Come prepared. Before the fair, you can review the online directory of employers
and their job opportunities on the Student Success Center (SSC) web site
http://www.ohlone.edu/org/ssc/ohlonejobfair.html
Dress appropriately. There is no second chance for first impression. Dress in
"business casual": Business Casual - polo shirt, shirt with a collar or sweater, khakis
or other slacks, dress or casual leather shoes for men and women; moderate length
dress or skirt for women.
Allow yourself time. Come as early as possible. You may need to return between
classes.
Familiar with the site. Review the map and directory for the fair. Locate and walk
by the employers in whom you're most interested.
Be flexible. Some reps attending fairs are there to share their experiences working at
the organization and may not be involved in the hiring process. If the employer rep at
the fair does not know specifically about jobs/internships of interest to you, ask for
the name of someone who can help you.
Introduce yourself. Greet each employer with a smile and a firm handshake. Extend
your hand, say "hello" and state your name. Welcome the representative to your
college. Have your resume ready to give to the employer.
Take notes. The representative at the fair may not be able to answer all of your
questions or know specifics about your job interests. Write down the names,
telephone numbers, etc. of other staff in the organization whom you can contact later.
Note specific employer hiring dates that will affect you.
Networking. Job fairs are all about networking. You are building a network with the
recruiters. You can also network with your fellow job seekers in terms of sharing
information about job leads, companies, and their job search strategies.
Ask for a Business card. After the job fair, promptly send a thank-you note to
acknowledge the help the representatives gave you. A sample thank you letter can be
found on the SSC web site http://www.ohlone.edu/org/ssc/ohlonejobfair.html
Respect employers' materials/sample items. Always check with employers before
taking materials from their tables.
Be courteous! You also represent your college. All of the organizations at the fair are
there because of their interest in hiring students. Be sensitive to other students
waiting to speak with employers by keeping your questions brief and offering to
continue your conversation at a later time.
Student Success Center – Career Resource Center
Room 1403, Building 1, Fourth Floor • 510-979-7555 • http://www.ohlone.edu/org/ssc

Your thank you letters should emphasize the format below. Make your thank you letters are warm
and personal, and use them as an opportunity to:
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Date
Cotact/Hiring Person’s Name
Name of Company
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Dear____________________________,
Express sincere appreciation. For example:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me at the Ohlone College Job Fair. I certainly
appreciate your time and attention in the midst of so many students seeking jobs.
State your strongest qualifications. Show strong correlation between your qualifications
and the job requirements. For example:
You were extremely thorough in explaining _____ (Company Name)'s customer service
and marketing trainee program. Now that I have a better idea of what the position entails,
I am even more sure that I would be an asset to your team and to _____ (Company
Name).
Reemphasize your interest in the position. Use this opportunity to use information not
previously given. For example:
My solid education from Ohlone College and the fact that I have worked my way through
college demonstrated good work ethic and determination, two qualities you said ______
(Company name) valued.
Reiterate your appreciation. For example:
I look forward to an opportunity to visit ______ (Company name) office and speak to you
further about the training program. I will contact you next week to arrange an appointment.
Closing Statement. For example:
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Student Success Center – Career Resource Center
Room 1403, Building 1, Fourth Floor • 510-979-7555 • http://www.ohlone.edu/org/ssc