Career Fair Advice
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Ten Tips to Get the Most Out of a Job Fair
by Joan Schramm

Attending job and career fairs is an important part of your overall job search strategy. They can be great places to learn about job openings, expand your network, and more -- but you have to have a plan. This isn’t the time to wing it. Here are ten tips for getting the most out of your job fair experience.

1.    Choose the Right Fair. Learn all you can about the companies that will be represented and the types of jobs they will be looking to fill. You don't want to spend your time at a government-technology fair if you’re looking for a job in healthcare.

2.    Do Your Research. Once you have the list of companies who will be at the job fair, start researching them. Go to their websites, Google them for the latest news, and mine your network on LinkedIn for people who know something about them. Narrow your focus down to 3 – 5 top companies you want to work for and develop an elevator speech that will introduce you to those companies.

3.    Network Ahead of Time. If you have friends, colleagues or LinkedIn contacts who work for any of those companies, call or write them a note about your interest in working for the company. Mention that you’ll be attending the job fair where XYZ Company will be represented and ask if you can get an introduction to the recruiter.

4.    Pre-register. If you have the option to pre-register, do it. Most job fairs that allow pre-registering also let you upload a copy of your resume for recruiters to pre-screen. Registering early won’t guarantee you a personal look from a recruiter, but it can’t hurt, so take advantage of it.

5.    Arrive Early. Try and get to your top companies early in the day, before they’ve seen hundreds of applicant and fatigue sets in. When you first get there, grab a layout map (if available) and spend a few minutes planning your strategy. Look over your notes and run through your elevator speech for your top companies again. If there are seminars or networking events scheduled, decide which ones you’re going to attend and note the time and location.

6.    Bring Lots of Resumes. Depending on the size of the job fair, plan on 25 – 40 resumes. It’s better to have too many than not enough. If you have different versions of your resume slanted towards different jobs, then bring multiple copies of each one.

7.    Dress for Success. Job fairs are more casual than a standard interview, but don’t let that fool you. Put on your best, conservative business attire. If you’re not sure, err on the side of being too formal. Dress sharp, act professional and display enthusiasm.

8.    Interviewing Strategy. Visit your targeted employers first with your resume in hand, and spend some "quality time" with each one. If there’s a long line at one, move on to the next and come back. Introduce yourself and explain your interest in their company. Remember: good eye contact; strong handshake; positive, enthusiastic attitude. If you have a networking contact this is the time to mention it. “Hi, my name is Amanda Smith. I’m an IT Training Development Specialist with eight years of experience. Bob Smith mentioned your company and suggested I talk with you about the Training and Development vacancy at your Lakeside location.” You’ll probably only have a few minutes with the recruiter, so make the most of it. Listen carefully and respond to questions intelligently and thoughtfully (here’s where your research on the company can come in handy). Once you've hit all of your targets, "shop" other employers' booths and do some networking.

9.    Strong Close. Don’t monopolize the recruiter’s time. Pay attention to your surroundings and, if a line forms behind you, start wrapping up your conversation. End by thanking the recruiter and ask him or her what the next steps are. Get a business card and ask if it's okay to call or send a follow-up letter a few days after the job fair ends. Once you finish with a recruiter, take a few minutes to write down notes about your conversation so you can keep track of who you talked to and what the main points of discussion were.

10. Follow-up. Don’t think your work is done once the job fair is over; how you follow up can be more important than your actual meeting. You’d be astonished at how few job-seekers take the time to follow-up on their career fair interviews, so if you do it you’ll really make a strong, positive impression. No later than 24 hours after the job fair, hand write a thank you note and mail it to the recruiter. Thank the recruiter for his or her time, review your qualifications for the position and restate your interest in working for XYZ Company. Close by saying you’d like to set up a time for a second interview and state that you’ll follow up the letter with a phone call to set up an appointment. Attach another copy of your resume and get the letter in the mail.

Final Thoughts. Don’t let job or career fairs intimidate you. Remember: the recruiters want to find qualified people and they’ll be pleased to talk with you. You are their reason for being there, so make the most of the opportunity. Following the tips above will give you confidence and will make a big difference in the quantity and quality of your job fair interactions.

Need help with your career or job search? Joan Schramm offers a free ecourse, “Should I Stay or Should I Go? A guide to knowing when to leave your job”. Kick your job search into high gear right now at http://www.achieve-momentum.com.

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