How to Get the Most Out of Job Fairs
By
Linda Matias, NCRW, CIC, JCTC
www.careerstrides.com
linda@careerstrides.com
Visit our
interview coaching page
Visit our resume service page
Job fairs are a great way to meet potential employers. Instead of 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:
What To Do Before You Get There
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 make 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 company
Without a doubt, you definitely want to know the current company statistics and what
projects they are working on. This information can be found online at their web site,
company materials, the newspaper or the library. If you attend the job fair without
knowledge of the company, you may find yourself in an interview at the booth, not
able to answer their questions!
Update and print several copies of your resume
A few days before the job fair, spend some time updating 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. Also, if you have business
cards, put those in your wallet to pass out, or staple them to the corner of your
resumes.
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 their watch or shifting in their 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 cover
letters 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.
Certified in all three areas of the job search—Certified
Interview Coach ™ (CIC), Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally
Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)—Linda Matias is qualified to assist you in your
career transition, whether it be a complete career makeover, interview
preparation, or resume assistance. She is also the author of
How to Say It: Job Interviews (Prentice Hall Press) which can be found
at Amazon.com or your local bookstore. You can contact Linda Matias at
linda@careerstrides.com or visit her website
www.careerstrides.com for additional career advice and to view resume
samples.
|
|
How to Say It: Job Interviews
Amazon.com's Bestseller In It's Category
Buy Your Copy Today
|
|
How
to Say It: Job Interviews
Written
by Linda Matias a Certified Interview Coach and director of Certified Interview
Coach Institute, How to Say It®
Job Interviews provides the nuts and bolts you need to interview successfully.
Order
How to Say It® Job Interviews through Amazon and learn how to ace any
job interview.
Your own virtual career professional at your service:
All our services are provided by certified career professionals. We're at your disposal
via phone, fax, email, and mail! Get a Comprehensive
Resume Evaluation today!
Affordable, flexible prices: Unlike other resume writer services
and career firms, we don't offer "canned" price lists. Your project is given
thoughtful consideration and we develop a customized price for the services you need.
Take our Resume Quiz for starters!
Expertise in all career areas: We aren't just a resume-writing
service. CareerStrides offers assistance in all phases of your career: from
career coaching to interview coaching, from the start through the end of your job
search process, and into your next position.
Visit our job search tools section to get a jump
start on your career today.
|
|
Get up-to-date on your Career Skills!
Subscribe our FREE
e-newsletter "CareerStrides"
You’ll receive a copy of our guide “Best Job Search Strategies”
just for subscribing
Written by a nationally published career expert, the President of
The National Resume Writers’ Association, and a certified career coach, this
newsletter offers ongoing support and advice on your career development needs.
|
|
|
|
