Take steps to make job fairs more productive. |
Recently, however, I attended
a job fair for what I thought would simply be a chance to get out of the house
and practice my elevator pitch, and ended up with a job!
I met representatives from a kitchen
and bath remodeling company associated with Home Depot. My background
is in sales so I let my interest show by asking questions and pointing out
parts of my resume that made me a match for their position. They said that at a
minimum, I could bring in a third more than what I was making on my last job
and at a reasonable maximum, five times more in the first year. (Did I mention
that I’m interested?)
The next thing I know, the guy
says he will call tomorrow, arrange to meet, and “get me in the
system” for the next training class. He
called the next day and … long story, short … I was hired!
With this unexpected outcome fresh in my mind, here are tips to make the most of job fairs you attend:
With this unexpected outcome fresh in my mind, here are tips to make the most of job fairs you attend:
- Seek
to find out what companies will be present and what positions are being
filled to make sure that you will benefit from attending.
- Research
companies on their web site and through other sources before the fair so
you can speak knowledgeably to company representatives.
- Register
ahead of time. By doing so, you may be sent tips about what to expect at
the job fair and how to benefit from attending. I’ve found some fairs are
informal, while others are carefully organized and highly structured. Be
prepared for either type.
- Arrive
early to get a jump on the competition. Remember that lines can be long
and that company representatives can grow weary. Keep your energy level
high and your interactions with company representatives positive and
enthusiastic. Seek to be memorable.
- Dress
like you would for an interview. It is better to be over-dressed than
under.
- Bring
more resumes than you need. Also bring business cards (with correct, up-to-date contact information) and a pocket-sized notepad and pen for
jotting down information. You may want to staple your business card to
your resume to make it easy for recipients to contact you.
- Think
of booth interactions as mini-interviews. They may only last a few
minutes, but expect the same sort of questions you’d get at interviews.
Prepare now to answer well.
- Attend
workshops that might be part of the job fair. Use such opportunities to
not only learn new information, but also to network with presenters and
attendees.
- Manage
your expectations. Job fairs can be frustrating and unproductive, but seek
to get what you can out of each opportunity.
- Perfect
and practice your elevator pitch. (Elevator pitch tips)
Most of the company representatives I met started off by saying, “So
tell me a little about yourself.” Be ready to answer concisely!
- If there is time, ask questions. Ask for business cards so that you can continue
building relationships.
- Send
a thank you email to company representatives. If you are interested, let
them know it! If not, thank them anyway for taking their time to speak
with you.
With these guidelines in mind,
a job fair could be a positive experience in your job search even if you don’t
end up landing your dream job.
David White |
David White is an Austin, TX, based sales and customer service specialist who has landed a position through a job fair. He has navigated several successful job searches in his career, and at times makes notes of things he picks up along the way. He invites others to connect with him on LinkedIn, and wishes all job seekers the best of success!
Thanks for sharing your tips, David and congratulations on the new job!
Does anyone else have tips about how to make the most of job fairs? Share them here. Thanks, Kathy
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I agree with what are stated in the tips you pointed, though some of it are not applied by me. Would probably follow what are the tips stated.
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