How to Get the Most Out of Job Fairs
Job fairs are a great way to meet potential employers. Unlike cold calling or surfing the Internet, job fairs offer the chance to chat with hiring managers in person and pass around your resume or business card. There are several ways to make the most of a job fair:
Make
a list
Before you even arrive at the job fair, get the list of participating employers.
These can be found in the newspaper (usually in the classified job section
or business section) or online. Make a list of employers you want to contact
and be sure to visit them first. Some employers leave job fairs early and
you don't want to miss your opportunity to interview with them.
Conduct research on the companies you are interested in
Without a doubt, you will want to know the current statistics for the companies
you¡¦re looking at as well as what projects they are working
on. This information can be found online at their web site, in their
company materials, in the newspaper or at the library. If you attend
the job fair without knowledge of the companies you like, you may find
yourself in an interview at the booth, unable to answer questions such
as "What do you know about our company?"
Update and print several copies of your resume
A few days before the job fair, spend some time updating and polishing
your resume. Once you have made updates, have someone else look over
the resume and make suggestions. After making changes, print several
copies on good quality resume paper and keep them in a folder to prevent
them from getting wrinkled, stained, or torn.
Create a sound bite
A sound bite is a brief introduction (30-90 seconds) about your knowledge,
skills, and abilities. Developing a sound bite educates the listener
about your qualifications, reminds you of your qualifications, and helps
you keep your focus. It will also calm your job-fair jitters. It can
be intimidating to approach employers, even in the job-fair environment.
Once You Are There
Be considerate of the employer's/recruiter's time
Don't monopolize their time. They want to meet as many applicants as possible.
Look for signals that you have overstayed your welcome. Non-verbal cues
may include the employer looking away, glancing at his watch, or shifting
in his chair.
Network with other jobseekers
You can find out valuable information from other job seekers. Not all jobs
are advertised and your peers may be aware of job openings that you had
no knowledge of.
Free resume evaluations
Some fairs may offer resume critiques by a professional resume writer.
Be sure to stop by and drop off your resume for free professional advice.
When You Get Home
Write thank-you notes
Before you leave the fair, be sure to ask employers for their business
cards and then write a letter thanking them for their time. Most job
seekers won't take the time to send a thoughtful note. If you do, you
will stand out from the rest.
For Those You Couldn't Meet
If you didn't have time to get around to all the booths, send your resume
and a personalized cover letter to those employers/recruiters you didn't
meet.
Key Points to Remember
- You will not be hired at a job fair. This is an opportunity for you to meet employers and network. When you are approaching employers, be confident and casual. They can sense desperation.- You may not be interviewed at a job fair. Job fairs can have a zoo-like atmosphere and may not be conducive to a formal interview.
- Remember that attending a job fair is one tool in getting a job. Keep networking, sending out resumes, and applying for jobs! Most of all, stay positive and know your new job could be right around the corner.
Linda Matias, Hauppauge, NY, USA
coach@careercoachinc.com
http://www.careercoachinc.com
Career Coach Inc. is run by Linda Matias and Bryan Cadicamo where their
objective is twofold: to coach professionals during the interview process
and those who are in a career transition and are looking to reawaken or
discover their life’s passion. To learn more visit www.careercoachinc.com
or send an email to coach@careercoachinc.com.