Turn the job fair into a job
Most people are relaxed at a job fair, seeing it as an opportunity to weigh their options. While there is nothing wrong with that, serious job seekers have the opportunity to edge out the competition.
Do your homework.
Do a little research. Take the time to learn what companies, organizations and recruiters will be in attendance. Google the businesses that spark your interest and see if they’re hiring. Make a list of the ones that might be a good fit for you.
Do a little research. Take the time to learn what companies, organizations and recruiters will be in attendance. Google the businesses that spark your interest and see if they’re hiring. Make a list of the ones that might be a good fit for you.
Dress for success.
What you wear is an important factor that influences the first impression you make on potential employers. Dress as you would for an interview. Business casual is usually your best bet for a job fair. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Stay somewhere in between casual and formal. No hoodies or tuxes please!
What you wear is an important factor that influences the first impression you make on potential employers. Dress as you would for an interview. Business casual is usually your best bet for a job fair. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Stay somewhere in between casual and formal. No hoodies or tuxes please!
Bring your resume.
Actually, resumes… lots of them! You never know. You might only need a couple, but you’ll likely need lots. And if you have business cards, that’s a plus. Bring those too.
Actually, resumes… lots of them! You never know. You might only need a couple, but you’ll likely need lots. And if you have business cards, that’s a plus. Bring those too.
Listen up!
In a busy, fast-paced environment, it’s easy to get distracted. Focus during your conversations with potential employers, especially when you ask them questions. You should listen carefully and take mental notes in order to determine your best fit In a busy, fast-paced environment, it’s easy to get distracted. Focus during your conversations with potential employers, especially when you ask them questions. You should listen carefully and take mental notes in order to determine your best fit.
In a busy, fast-paced environment, it’s easy to get distracted. Focus during your conversations with potential employers, especially when you ask them questions. You should listen carefully and take mental notes in order to determine your best fit In a busy, fast-paced environment, it’s easy to get distracted. Focus during your conversations with potential employers, especially when you ask them questions. You should listen carefully and take mental notes in order to determine your best fit.
“Speed date” employers.
Use the job fair as an opportunity to get to know multiple companies in a short period of time. And make sure they get to know you just as well. Pump up your ambition, experience and skills, while also asking them questions. That way, it’s a two-way street. Make sure you collect contact information or business cards.
Use the job fair as an opportunity to get to know multiple companies in a short period of time. And make sure they get to know you just as well. Pump up your ambition, experience and skills, while also asking them questions. That way, it’s a two-way street. Make sure you collect contact information or business cards.
Get the lay of the land.
As soon as you get there, plan your attack. Confirm that the companies you’re interested in are still there, and see if any new companies were added last minute. It’s probably a safe bet to meet with your top companies first, then visit others last. Either way, having a plan makes it less stressful and more productive.
As soon as you get there, plan your attack. Confirm that the companies you’re interested in are still there, and see if any new companies were added last minute. It’s probably a safe bet to meet with your top companies first, then visit others last. Either way, having a plan makes it less stressful and more productive.
Follow up.
Make sure you reach out to anyone you connected with at the job fair. Send them an email or a handwritten note, or leave them a voicemail. They expect it. And it helps if you can remember a small detail from your conversation with them. It’d be a great icebreaker for your follow up.
Make sure you reach out to anyone you connected with at the job fair. Send them an email or a handwritten note, or leave them a voicemail. They expect it. And it helps if you can remember a small detail from your conversation with them. It’d be a great icebreaker for your follow up.
More useful information how to make the next step in your career, find in the Job Seeker’s Guide
