Know Before You Go: Tips for Success!!

• Register for the event.
• Update your Handshake profile (e.g., name, picture, major/area of interests, etc.).
• Update your resume and have it ready to share if an employer requests it at/following the fair. If you’re looking for assistance with your resume, check out these helpful tips provided by the University Career Center. Plan to bring 20+ copies of your resume. Attend the CS Resume Review Workshop. Find out from real employers, and enjoy the opportunity to network with them face to face. RSVP to attend the Resume Review Workshop here.
• Research Participating Employers.
  • Check which employers are attending the fair on Handshake and conduct appropriate research on them. Read students’ reviews and find out if the open roles match your career interests. Be sure to check and see which companies are hiring full-time positions and internships.
  • Use search filters when available to search by visa sponsorship, degrees accepted/required, position type, and job location.
  • Visit the employer websites to begin conducting research (read About Us, Mission, Careers, ..)
  • Create a list of employers you would like to talk to at the fair.
• Plan Your Strategy
  • Maximize your time efficiently. Study the “corporate culture” of the organization, know how to use industry-related terminology, and use the following questions to help you distinguish which companies are the best use of your time:
    • What makes this company unique?
    • Does this organization have opportunities that would interest me?
    • Does this organization fit my priorities and experience?
    • What is the organization known for? How does this organization fit in within its industry?
• Prepare informed questions. Ask questions directly, politely, and concisely. Have a short list of questions ready about company culture, professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, or anything else you want to learn about.
• Practice introducing yourself and know what skills are needed for specific careers. You don’t need a perfect pitch, but you do need a confident intro when starting a conversation with employers. Communicate your key skills related to the job opportunity through strong action verbs and example experiences. Know how to relate your past work, academic and out-of-class experiences to the career field.
• Plan your attire
  • Choose attire accordingly.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, practice your best handshake, award-winning smile and make eye contact. First impressions count!
  • Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, your favorite pen and notebook; bring something to carry company literature, business cards and giveaways.

• Carry as little as possible. Aim to consolidate your personal belongings. Storage is not provided.
• Bring your UMD Student ID card. Your group status will be verified before entry.
• Arrive at the entrance time assigned to your group. Earlier arrival does not guarantee earlier access in the fair. Students will be released based on their group status.
• Visit your top choices first. Avoid standing in a long line to speak with one recruiter when you could talk with 3 or 4 others in the same time period.
• Smile, make eye contact, and greet with a handshake or fistbump [based on your comfort level]. Introduce yourself with your full name, major, and graduation date—Provide a concise, well-prepared overview of what you have to offer and your career interests.
• Be mindful of body language. Act interested, focused, and enthusiastic. Be friendly, assertive, and personable.
• Network: While in line, talk to other students about recruiters they have spoken to already.
• Be Encouraged: If you cannot speak to the recruiter, look for a business card to contact him/her at a later time. If an employer does not accept your resume and directs you to "apply online", do not get discouraged. Many organizations have transitioned to 100% utilization of online platforms for their hiring processes. Ask for their business card so you may stay in contact throughout the hiring process.

• Follow-up. Send a thank you email within 24 hours. Thank the recruiter for their time, restate your interest and qualifications for the position; reiterate your interest, and let them know what next steps you’re taking, such as applying for a job.
• Continue the connection with employers by sending the representative(s) a LinkedIn request with a customized note. Also, send a thank you email to representatives if they provide their email addresses.
• Supplement your fair attendance by attending other employer events offered by the University Career Center. For Computer Science students, the Corporate Partners in Computing Program (CPIC) offers exclusive opportunities (such as networking events, resume review workshops, information sessions, panels, and much more) for undergraduate and graduate student development. To inquire about upcoming events and programs, please reach out to corporaterelations@cs.umd.edu.

You may check-in at your scheduled time, and enter the fair at your scheduled time. Re(entry) to the fair during your scheduled time is allowed. However, early arrival or check-in or re(entry) during another group’s scheduled time will not be permitted. The Department of Computer Science cannot guarantee accommodation for late arrivals. Late arrivals will be accommodated based on capacity, if possible. Please visit their CS Career & Internship Fair page to learn more about important eligibility information. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please email cscareerfairs@umd.edu.