This
http://www.WorkTree.com career article will give you some
great tips on successfully navigating thru career fairs.
This issue will quickly cover the following:
A) Purpose of Career Fairs
B) How To Best Prepare
C) Tips & Strategies During The Fair
D) Career Fair Follow-Up
A) PURPOSE OF CAREER FAIRS
Career fairs are designed to provide job seekers a way to explore
career opportunities within a variety of companies at one location.
Job seekers should take advantage of these fairs to be better informed
about the job market. Career fairs must be a part of your overall
job search process. It’s a great way to learn about job openings,
research companies and practice your interviewing and networking
skills.
B) HOW TO BEST PREPARE
Its important to make the most of your time at career fairs. There
will be many employers and even more job seekers vying for attention
so its critical that you prepare in advance of setting foot into the
career fair.
Here are 5 tips that can help you be well prepared:
#1 - PRIORITIZE
Find out what companies are going to be attending prior to the day of
the career fair and identify and prioritize the top companies that you
definitely want to visit.
#2 - RESEARCH
Spend a little time researching these companies; the more you know the
better. Use the Internet, library, etc. Employers love talking to
candidates who are familiar with their company and business. It also
makes you look smart. Candidates who are knowledgeable about a company
come across as intelligent and interested.
#3 - YOUR RESUME
Create and/or refine your resume and bring many, many clean, crisp
copies to handout. This is very imporant!
#4 - APPROACH
Create a one-minute introduction that summarizes your skills, goals,
experience, etc. Practice this until you are comfortable using this
as your opening. The career fair will present many mini interviews
and you need to be prepared for this. Anticipate interview questions
and practice your responses.
#5 - APPEARANCE
Dress professionally – don’t wear shorts and sandals. Use good
judgement in what you wear and project professionalism. Bring a nice
folder to carry your resumes and a notepad and pen for taking notes.
C) TIPS & STRATEGIES DURING THE FAIR
Follow these tips below and you are on your way to a more productive
career fair.
- Relax and plan on spending time at the fair. Career fairs are not
that frequent so plan your time well. Try to avoid standing in long
lines. Go early if possible because the first hour is usually the
slowest.
- Always request business cards or at least get an email address so
that you can follow-up and pursue leads.
- When you get to actually talk to a company representative – remember
to shake hands firmly and introduce yourself. This is your chance
to make the best first impression.
- Be mentally prepared with a list of question to keep the
conversation flowing. Ask about the company, the industry, what job
opportunities exist, etc. Always try to relate your skills and
experience to the company or jobs that may be open at the company.
- Visit companies outside your industry. You will be surprised at how
many companies hire in all types of professions (ie. hospitals,
banks, etc.)
- Visit your lower priority companies first. This way you can
practice and fine tune your approach. When you are ready, then
proceed to the top priority employers on your list.
- Network! Talk to both employers and other job candidates. If you
are standing in line, don’t be shy talk to the people in line.
More jobs are filled by networking than any other means.
- Conduct yourself with a professional manner at all times.
Employers are watching at all times. So when you are walking around
or waiting in line, always maintain professionalism.
- Be aware of time. Don’t stand and monopolize an employer’s time.
Its not good for them or for you. Ask specific questions, get to
the point and most importantly get the contact information for later
follow-up.
D) CAREER FAIR FOLLOW-UP
Its important to keep yourself fresh in the mind of the employers.
To do this, you must send follow-up or thank you letters within two
days. Always refer to the date and location of the job fair. Try
and highlight any part of the conversation that stood out to make it
easy for them to remember you. Always include a copy of your
resume. You might also want to follow-up with a phone call.
Also its important to re-group after a career fair and evaluate your
experience. Try and understand what you did right and what can be
improved upon, as this will help you be more productive at the next
fair.
Most importantly, just have a very positive attitude. Always have a
smile and thank each person you speak to for his/her time. You have
something to sell and employers are there to shop around, and vice
versa.
This article can be read directly online at:
http://www.worktree.com/newsletter/career-and-job-fairs.htmlSincerely,
Nathan Newberger,
Managing Editor
http://www.WorkTree.com
"Helping You Find More Jobs Faster"
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About the Author
Nathan Newberger is the job and career expert at http://www.WorkTree.com Nathan has over 10 years experience in staffing and human resources. He has worked both as a recruiter and career counselor. Mr. Newberger has been the Managing Editor at http://www.WorkTree.com for the past 5 years and his articles have helped thousands of job seekers.