Natural Resources Canada is present at many career/job fairs across the country throughout the year. Our departmental representatives are available to answer your questions about career interests or the various recruitment programs we offer.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) attends job and career fairs to promote career opportunities and positions available within our department. Our goal is to promote NRCan and the federal Public Service as a workplace of choice. Career and job fairs are excellent opportunities for you to meet departmental representatives to obtain information about NRCan and to learn about the work done in the department.

Job Fairs vs. Career Fairs

There is a distinct difference between a "Job Fair" and a "Career Fair."

A career fair is an event where NRCan will participate to attract candidates to pursue a career in the federal Public Service, particularly NRCan, over the private and other public sectors.

A job fair is an event where NRCan will participate to collect the CV's of qualified candidates to staff specific current vacancies in the organization.

Prior to attending, it is important to determine what kind of fair is underway in order to tailor your preparation accordingly.

Tips

1. Research participating organizations. Find out as much as you can regarding their operations and goals before the day of the event. Knowledge allows you to pose intelligent questions and demonstrate your interest in the organization.
   
2. View the event as a forum for professional development. Be outgoing and friendly. Be prepared to smile, shake hands firmly, and make eye contact with representatives. Be polite at all times. Remember, the person you meet in the parking lot, hallway or restroom may be the organization's representative you will see later.
   
3. Do not assume an organization does not have opportunities in your field. All organizations need the skills of a variety of academic majors to operate.
   
4. Dress appropriately. Your dress should be neat, clean and professional.
   
5. Learn to sell yourself. Speak slowly and confidently. Know your skills, qualifications and interests. Be prepared to answer basic questions about your degree, career aspirations, and preferred job location.
   
6. Network effectively. Careers fairs are a great opportunity to meet fellow colleagues, exchange information and leads, and chat with members of professional organizations.
   
7. Take notes. Jot down brief notes as you leave each booth. Record your impressions and items needing follow up.
   
8. Budget your time wisely. Don't monopolize representatives. Should conversations become lengthy, ask for the opportunity to contact the representative at a later date.
   
9. Visit kiosks by yourself, not with a group of friends.
   
10. When attending a job fair, you should update your resume and ensure that it does not contain errors. Bring several copies of your resume to distribute to potential employers. Be ready to discuss your qualifications for specific jobs.
    
11. Don't be afraid to discuss your career preferences with representatives of organizations. This will not limit your opportunities, rather, it will allow the representative to provide you with more specific information on reaching your goal.

Questions to Ask Representatives

• What types of career opportunities does your organization/department offer?
• What kinds of positions do you offer to someone with my education?
• Do you have co-op, internship or summer job opportunities for someone in my field of study?
• What types of positions do you have trouble filling? Why?
• What are the main skills or characteristics that you look for in an employee?
• Do you offer developmental programs to employees?