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In this cyber age, when job listings on company websites are notoriously devoid of contact names and phone numbers, job fair have become a useful commodity. These events offer a chance to shake a hand, hold a conversation, and make a good impression that it might just get you a job or an internship that may one day lead to a job. Here is how to use this venue to its greatest advantage.
Inorder to start off on the right foot, remember to use the great study skills you learned at school. Research who’s coming to the career fair and identify the companies with whom you want to speak.
While developing your short list, pay attention to what each company says about itself on its website. It impresses company representatives when you already know something about their business.
Even your “elevator speech” (a two-minute pitch) should demonstrate your interest in the corporation. Figure out ahead of time what you’ll talk about with the representative. Tell the representative what you can do for their company. End with a question about the organization or the positions for which they are hiring.
Along with insightful questions from fair-goers, employers look for appropriate attire. |
For young women, this means no bangles or low necklines. For young men, slacks and a nice shirt are best. Some say jewelry, particularly of the pierced body-parts variety, should be kept to a minimum.
While neat clothing is a necessity, super fancy resumes are not. Should you bother with bells and whistles, like lamination or photos? No. Employers just scan your resume into a database. The information scanned is important, not the packaging.
The career fair will be crowded, and you may be anxious waiting in a long line at a booth. Should you call a friend to calm your nerves? No. Turn off the cell phone. You can live two hours of your life without it. It does not make a good impression on potential employers to be gossiping on the phone.
Besides, the wait can be turned to your advantage. Instead of fidgeting, eavesdrop on conversations with the representative.
They will talk to hundreds of people over the course of the day, and they will have a set of questions. So you can start to formulate your responses before your turn arrives.
Do not talk for too long. If there are dozens of people on line behind you, the representative cannot focus on you for an extended time. |
Be conscious of his schedule. Chat, and move on.
Do not forget, a career fair is a forum for networking. Treat it that way. Networking is the best way to find a job or an internship.
Career Fair Tip Sheet
10 ways to improve your chances
Here’s how to stand out in the crowd as you look for work:
-Bring ample copies of your resume.
-Target the employers you want to speak with and research them on the Internet.
-Practice a 30-second introduction and be prepared to ask questions.
-Be ready to talk about your skills and provide examples.
-Make eye contact, give a firm handshake and remember the representative’s name.
-Be enthusiastic.
-Focus on what the representative has to say.
-Speak with employers you have not considered before.
-Collect business cards and follow up with thank you notes and phone calls.
-Adapted from Bunker Hill Community College’s “Job Fair Strategies.” |
