Should I bring a resume to a job fair?

Question

I'm going to a job fair in town, should I bring copies of my resume? Is a long sleeve collared shirt too formal? Also, I am well groomed but I have a goatee. I shaved my sideburns for the purpose of appearance, but what about the rest? Do potential employers look down on facial hair?

Answer 1

Yes, always bring plenty of copies of your resume to a job fair. Some job fairs have copy machines, but the line is usually long. Most job fair booths are manned by people from the human resources department and not the actual managers or supervisors who are looking to fill positions. So, it is important to appear professional, prepared, organized and interested in finding a job. A manager might be able to ask you specific questions to determine how they should rank your resume. A human resources person might take a more of a surface look at you and your resume, before ranking it. I have seen people in job fair booths placing color coded stickers on resumes. They get so many people walking by. Some people are just looky loos, wearing shorts and sunglasses, who are not very prepared, even though they may have a resume in hand. They have to come up with some way to flag the people who jump out at them as a good candidate for a job. Dress very nicely, trim your beard neatly, speak clearly, act interested, ask questions about the company or the position, present yourself as a professional and don't just throw your resume on top of some stack on their table. Separate yourself from the crowd and they may mark your resume and pass it on to a supervisor or manager who may want to interview you. They might even give you a brief interview on the spot.

Answer 2

Yes, you should bring your resume... and many copies of it to pass it out to employers. I don't think you can really be too formal for job fairs and interviewing. That's the time when you want to make the best impression, so there is really no harm in dressing well. I'd even think about wearing a suit. I don't think employers will look down on facial hair if it looks well kept. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

You sound well prepared. Bring lots of resumes. Your shirt is a good choice. The goatee is fine if it's well maintained. Also, carry several pens. Asking for a pen to write with shows a perspective employer that you don't plan ahead. (How did you plan to fill out a job application?)
Good luck.

Answer 4

Wear a tie and a sports coat too, if you have one. I'd suggest you shave. Once you get a job, you'll find out what the culture of the organization is, and know if you can grow it again.

Answer 5

bring your resume
wear a collared shirt
keep the goatee