Job Search
How to prepare for a job fair
Sep 1, 2014
When you’re job searching, take some time to attend job fairs. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with employers that you might not be able to access any other way. Plus, job fairs and career expos often offer networking programs, resume reviews, and workshops for job seekers. What can you do to compete with the crowds attending the job fairs?
If you know the employers that will be there take a look at the opportunities that they have listed on their website. Check out and see if they have a company blog. Learning what is new with the company and if they have had any recent press is a great talking point when trying to stand out at a job fair. Connecting through social media is also another benefit to learn more about the company. Companies use LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to share their career opportunities. Social media is just another avenue to learn and find out more information about the company.
Make sure you have at least one copy for every employer that you are interested in. Also, don’t wait until the day of to print your resume. If you have to update make sure you have time to prepare. Employers only look at resumes an average of 10 seconds. Make sure you’re leaving employers with the impression that you are eager and ready to learn.
Make sure you dress to impress, make eye contact, introduce yourself and shake each employer’s hand. Dress in professional business attire. Your suit/shirt/blouse should be wrinkle-free. Avoid cologne/perfume or strong scents. Prepare your commercial. What kind of career are you seeking?
Making contacts within a company could lead to a job opportunity. Exchange business cards and write notes about your conversation on the back of business cards. You will talk to multiple potential employers and will want to keep your thoughts organized. After speaking to the potential employer, make notes on what you discussed such as, positions available, the hiring process and who you spoke too.
Most employers will not want to hire someone with a negative demeanor. Be sure to be positive during the application and interview process. When you are attending a job fair make sure to smile and be friendly to all of the prospective companies. Employers want to hire those that they would like to work with each day.
You want to take full advantage of attending the job fair. Arriving on time will ensure that you have time to talk to as many employers a possible. It is beneficial to arrive early so that you can review the venue floor plan. Who are you most interested in speaking with and where are they located inside the venue.
Once you have requested a business card from the representative at the job fair, make sure to follow up. Send each person a brief e-mail thanking them after the event as a reminder of who you are and what you spoke about, and this will help gain a future business contact.