Seven Ways to Maximize Your Job Fair Experience
Face-to-face contact at a job fair is a unique opportunity to find out about dozens of new openings in less than 24 hours. And with so many top-notch recruiters attending job fairs to meet new candidates, it's important to take advantage of each experience, say experts. For one, don't just drop off your résumé at each table without saying a word, says Mara Covell, managing director at the Howard-Sloan-Koller Group, a New York City-based executive search firm. "Meet with a company representative, offer a firm handshake, good eye contact, [and] express strong interest in the company," Covell suggests.
Here are Additional Ways to Get the Most Out of Attending a Job Fair:
1. Create a sound bite
Whether you call it a sound bite or an elevator speech, it's important to prepare a quick 30-second introduction to interested recruiters. "Developing a sound bite educates the listener about their qualifications, reminds the applicant of their qualifications, and helps them keep their focus," says Linda Matias, president of CareerStrides, a career-coaching firm. Make sure your speech is well rehearsed and comes across as genuine.
2. Research the companies attending
After registering for a job fair, put together a list of preferred employers that you're eager to meet with. This list will help you be more prepared when it comes to navigating the career fair and managing your time," Matias says. "Some employers leave job fairs early and applicants don't want to miss their opportunity to interview with them." Additionally, it will give you a chance to research the specific companies to understand why you'd be a fit and to convey that during the conversation.
3. Proofread your résumé
Even the tiniest mistake on your résumé can ruin your chances with companies that are attending the fair. Don't put your résumé together last-minute, instead take the time to have others you trust or a career professional check for any mistakes, Covell says.
4. Dress the part
Since many career fairs last the better part of a day, it's important that you're wearing professional clothing that can withstand hours of face-to-face networking, Covell says. Invest in comfortable dark-colored shoes and make sure clothing, including suits, are made from wrinkle-free fabrics. While you're bound to look less put together as the day comes to an end, it's important to remain aware of your appearance.
5. Limit your spiel
Since recruiters attend the fair to meet as many candidates as possible, it's important that you don't monopolize the recruiter's time, Mathias says. "Applicants should look for signals that they have overstayed their welcome," she says, "Non-verbal cues may include the employer looking away, glancing at their watch or shifting in their chair." Instead, use your time wisely for an initial introduction and move on.
6. Be ready for a mini-interview
When meeting with a recruiter you should be prepared to answer questions as if you would during a regular interview, Mathias says. While it's not as formal as a proper job interview, it's important to address the recruiter's questions with ease and to be prepared with several specific questions about how the company works.
7. Follow up
After meeting at a career fair (and getting the recruiter's business card), continue your relationship with a recruiter by sending a follow-up note. "Follow up with an e-mail ... briefly thanking the recruiter for their time, attaching your résumé to the e-mail and selling your strengths and sincere interest again," Covell says. Starting an e-mail trail will also help the recruiter get in contact with you about available positions and present your résumé in an electronic format that's easily searchable.
As you continue your search be sure to research opportunities for job fairs. The conversations with recruiters at a job fair can help you quickly build a relationship with a certain company. Additionally, it's a great way to find out about different companies where you would ultimately be interested in finding employment.
Reference: careerrookie.com