Welcome to Burdet-tiquette, where Lisa Burdette, founder of The Dallas School of Etiquette and a mother of six with global expertise, answers your questions on the art of courtesy.
Have an etiquette question? Send your etiquette dilemmas to [email protected].
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Reader Question From: Aaron, 27
I’m going to a job fair for a high-profile federal law enforcement agency. I don’t know what to wear or how to act. Should I dress very formally in dark colors, cut my hair short, and act stern—or should I present myself more naturally? I want to seem like the perfect prospective law enforcement agent. How much “me” is the right amount?
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Lisa’s Response:
Attending a job fair can be frightening, but the key to success is to be prepared. Take time to study who will be attending the job fair and do research on the companies you would like to work for. Make the effort to learn facts about each of these companies and take index cards with prepared questions written on them. This will show that you are an interested candidate.
Next, create a “wow effect” elevator pitch that lets the company know that you know how to meet and greet. This can be a positive factor that helps to create interest in you as a future employee.
Make certain that your portfolio is updated as well as professional and that you have multiple copies of your résumé on hand. Keep personal business cards with your name and profession on hand as well. Know how to present and how to receive business cards. If possible, have work samples to share with potential companies.
Self-presentation is a must. Prepare a three-to-four-minute talk about yourself that reflects your skills, your experiences and who you are. As part of your self-presentation, you must plan your appearance and make sure it is professional. Cover all tattoos and wear only one set of earrings (no facial piercings). Your attire must be business casual, which means a sport coat with a collared shirt and socks. Jeans are not acceptable, but sneakers in a business casual style are fine, as you likely will be walking a lot. Aim high and dress for the job you want to have, not the job you may be applying for.
Approach recruiters with confidence. Introduce yourself with Eye (eye contact), Smile (a warm smile), and Hand (a firm handshake). This is very important! You only have one second to make an impression.
Remember situational awareness…you will have only a few minutes to speak because others will be waiting behind you. Before you leave, ask for business cards. This is also very important.
Immediately after each encounter, make some notes to record who you spoke with and what the conversation was about.
Finally, write Thank You notes within 24 hours of the event. Do not text or email your thanks but instead write a personal note of gratitude with your name on the stationery. If you do not have any personalized stationery, make it a point to have some made. It is very cheap on Amazon.
As soon as you return home, start applying for the positions desired. Do not wait, as time is critical. Send a personalized connection request to the recruiters you spoke with through LinkedIn. Let them know you want to stay connected. Remember, it is up to you to stay connected! These connections will pay off in your future.
In summary, if you want to remain calm during a job fair event, take time beforehand to prepare yourself.
Missed the last column? Click here to read: Burdet-tiquette: Lisa Burdette’s Good Groomsman’s Etiquette Advice
About Lisa
Lisa Burdette is the founder of The Dallas School of Etiquette, where she trains everyone from executives to cadets in the timeless art of courtesy. A mother of six and a graduate of Auburn University, she has studied etiquette in London, Paris, Washington, and beyond. She believes true etiquette isn’t about being fancy — it’s about how you make people feel.
Readers can send their etiquette questions to [email protected]