I attended a job fair this week at a major university here in Chicago. I love that moment as a recruiter right before the doors open to students, so I took the opportunity to peek out into the foyer to get a good look at my potential candidates.

What I saw in that room hit me like a punch in the gut. Here was a sea of expectant faces, full of hope and promise. I knew that these students came prepared wearing their best suits and with resumes proofed and polished. I knew that they were nervous, but hopeful. And because of that, I knew that I had to give them my best for the next 4+ hours, but that I would expect the same from them in return.

I am reminded of a post I wrote as a guest-blogger on my CEO's blog last fall. I'd like to share that post with you now, as it gives some helpful tips on giving your best at a career fair.

I'd love to hear your own tips for success at career fairs. The comments section is open.

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. Allow me to introduce gradspark

Gradspark is a free resource provided by LaSalle Network, Chicago’s fastest- growing staffing and recruiting firm. Borne out of the realization that 30% of LaSalle’s placements are recent college graduates, gradspark was created to provide every college graduate with the resources to enter the professional world. To meet that goal, we provide real solutions & practical strategies to improve each graduate’s marketability.

Fast Facts:

We know first-hand what employers want.
gradspark is comprised of expert recruiters who have 1500 client relationships across all industries.
We care.
Our recruiters interview 15,000 job seekers annually. We believe this positions gradspark not only as experts but as sympathetic partners in your job search.
We’re not all talk.
gradspark provides real solutions and practical strategies.

How gradspark can help:

Real world point-of-view.
Our team of experts conducts workshops on job search strategies and career development. We will also work with career center staff to customize offerings to meet students’ needs. A listing of the workshops we currently provide includes:

Getting a Job 101, Your Internship: Before, During and After, How to Work a Job Fair and Branding Yourself for your Job Search.

A foot in the door.
On-campus recruiting for real jobs in the areas of Accounting/Finance, Customer Service, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Office Services.