How to Make the best use of Job Fairs and Job Exhibitions
Attending a job fair can be a good way to find out information regarding potential employers and careers. It can also be an opportunity to network. For a lucky few, a career fair may even be the place where you find your next position. Here are a few ideas for making the most out of attending a career fair.
1. Before you visit the career fair, take some time to research which employers will be there. Make a list of which employers are the most interesting to you and which most closely match your skills and experience. Ideally, you should prepare a copy of your resume specifically targeted toward each of your favorite potential employers.
2. In addition to your specific resumes, have several copies of a general resume suitable for giving to any employer. Keep it brief; an ideal resume for these sorts of events is only one page. If an employer is interested in hiring you, you may be asked for a more detailed resume later.
3. Dress professionally. What you wear to the job fair should follow the same guidelines as what you would wear to an interview. Keep it conservative and stick to dark, neutral colors with minimal accessories. Make sure you look well-groomed, but also be sure your hair and make up are not too flashy or trendy.
4. Be prepared for questions. If a recruiter asks you, "What are you doing now?" what will you say? You want to have a response that makes you sound interesting and employable, so avoid responses like, "I'm between jobs", or "I'm stying with my parents." Instead, focus on the positive. For example, if you are taking a class or doing volunteer work, you could mention that. It's also acceptable to say something like, I just finished my degree in....
Other popular questions are, "What type of position are you looking for?" and "Why do you want to work for our company?" Make sure that you research each employer before hand and understand what type of positions they have open so you can give the right answers. Employers will be more likely to hire you if you can show genuine enthusiasm for their company and the type of positions they have open.
5. Carry at least two quality blue or black pens. Many employers will be collecting information. Some may even have you fill out a job application on the spot. Having your own pen will help you look prepared and professional and keep you from having to wait your turn to use the recruiter's pen.
6. Manage your expectations. Never expect to be offered a job, or even an interview, on the spot. A career fair is a meet and greet where job seekers and recruiters exchange information. If an employer is interested in your credentials, he or she may call you at a later date. You may also want to follow up with some employers by filling out a job application online. Even if none of the positions specifically advertised at the career fair are right for you, you may get some ideas about companies you would enjoy working for.
