Work it—How to be a success at your next job fair

I recently participated in a local job fair where hundreds of job-seekers had a great opportunity to network, identify potential employers, and have their first face to face interaction with recruiters from numerous companies and organizations.  As a Career Consultant and an organizer of such events, I couldn’t help but notice some of the mistakes many of the eager job-seekers were making, without even knowing it.  Those that I could address briefly, I made sure to give my advice and “two cents” from experience of being a hiring manager, and working with hiring managers.  I, too have made many mistakes in the past when attending job fairs/events, not knowing that it takes planning along with other tactics, to fully benefit from it and get the most of the time spent there.  Therefore, I want to take a look at some key elements of knowing how to “Work a Job Fair.”

·  Do your research.  Just like you would for an actually employment interview, find out something about the companies that will be there that are of interest to you.  In other words, don’t waste time with companies that you have no interest in, but invest time in learning about the ones you are.  This will give you a great advantage over others you are simply wondering from table to table.  It will also show the recruiters you take the time they spend with you seriously, and puts you ahead the masses.

·  Have multiple copies of your resume(s) and your portfolio.  More experts today stress the importance of a career portfolio.  This can be a simple professional-like binder, or binded-document keeper, that has your important documents and best work displayed in it.  Certifications, transcripts, recommendation letters, references, military documents, along with any examples of you work—all should be included in your portfolio.  If you are fortunate enough to get a short interview or spend a brief amount of “quality time” with a recruiter, it may be that one thing that gets you to a second interview.

·  Dress for an interview.  It may seem silly or redundant, but the first impression you make IS the only one you will get.  Some people seem to think that because this is “just” a job fair, and it’s not like it’s an interview, believe it’s okay to dress casual.  One reason, that person might NOT get an interview, is because they didn’t present themselves well by not wearing professional attire.  A suit and tie or 2-piece, may not be called for, however, at least be business casual.  Dress shirt with a tie and slacks, a blouse and pants/skirt, with comfortable foot ware, would give the statement of being professional, and again, taking your presence at the event, serious.

·  Make a plan of action.  In order to get the most out of your time, it is wise to not only get a listing of companies before the job fair, but walk around the floor, to see where and who are all there.  Many times companies that were scheduled to attend, don’t, and other ones that weren’t list are present.  If there is an unexpected “dream company” there, try to get some literature from the table before your “5-minute infomercial” with a recruiter, and be prepared.  As stated before, only spend time with companies you desire to work with, and not just float around aimlessly.  Have a strategy of spending more time with your top choices—at the beginning and end of the day to say thanks—and less time with your less-desired choices. 

·  Network with everyone.  Don’t just think you’re there to talk to HR Reps and Employment Agents, that’s a given.  This is the main reason for attending—to get some face time and contacts for the companies you’ve been trying to get in.  But, don’t forget to meet and network with other job-seekers as well.  They can be an untapped resource when it comes to job leads, recruiting methods of certain companies, and other unknown treasures.  And definitely always talk with your local Department of Labor Reps.  They undoubtedly know most, if not all, of the companies in attendance, contacts and other vital information that can be useful.

·  Follow-up is KEY.  There are so many job fair attendees that simply forget this very important part of the entire process—Follow up.  This is how you keep your name and the positive experience you had with the Recruiter/HR Rep fresh and memorable.  You can send an email to the person you spoke to, call/leave a voicemail or old school, mail the letter.  All of this is best, the same day or next day.  You want the person to remember you, and prompt him/her to pull out or review your resume again.  (Make it convenient and include it in the email/letter.)  Be sure to ask for a “second interview”, and inform them you will call in the next week to follow up—and follow through with the call.

These are just a few of the strategies you should use when attending a job fair.  The main thing you want to remember is, take full advantage of the experience.  You may discover new companies, gain excellent career advice, or even leave with a new job!  This can be the time you use to build confidence and embrace it as the ultimate learning opportunity.  So you better…Work it!