Job fairs can be seen as a break from the robotic grind of trying to appease a faceless person or artificial intelligence milling through applications and resumes; a chance to connect to a flesh-and-blood person in the field.
But they can also break a job seeker’s spirit by adding to one’s cynicism, watching some employees enjoying their day out of the office just to shrug at you and hand fliers that simply say “log on to our website!”
A job fair may as well be a fishing expedition, and the bites can be few and far between.
But like a fishing expedition, it comes in handy to be prepared for a long day.
You won’t be packing a six-pack of beer, a book and sunscreen on this fishing trip, but these tips should help you tackle the job fair better and perhaps bait a recruiter into going further with you.
Learn about the targets. Try to find a list of all the companies who will be in attendance, then prioritize on who you need to approach first.
Then list alternatives; your preferred company may have a line of rival job seekers.
You may find yourself deciding whether to wait an hour for a certain recruiter that has a deep line, or opt for other tables whose openings may fit your wants and needs.
Having some knowledge about the company beforehand also helps break the ice.
Doing so may let the recruiter understand they do not need to spend valuable time on explaining what their company does. And if you’ve read or heard some recent news about them, you can utilize that in a conversation.
You can then ask deeper questions, making more of an impression on a recruiter going through a sea of faces, as well as spot any potential red flags that could make for an unhappy next job.
Finally, it helps to tailor a resume to the specific employers.
According to indeed.com, you may want to create a specific one for that employer so that the relevant information matches the position and skills the recruiter needs to fill.
Dress appropriately. Remember, you’re a professional. Your attire should be clean, neat and wrinkle free.
Just make sure you won’t get too hot or uncomfortable standing in line or around a room for hours. Your choices in coat and shoes (and comfort inserts in the latter if applicable) is going to be as key as the tie selected or color coordination of your dress.
Save the expensive outfits for the actual interview.
Don’t be a mule. A bulky briefcase or handbag might be too much for the venue. You want to be able to move freely and comfortably.
Items to take might include a light bag or folder that can carry about 20 or more copies of your resume, a pen and paper for notes and business cards.
Make sure whatever water bottles, office supplies or other tchotchkes you pick up from tables do not interfere with your presentation or ruin your resumes.
Electronic displays of your work might be presentable on your cell phone or a lightweight tablet instead of a bulky laptop. Make sure those are charged before you go and that you can access the data in seconds after dealing with screen locks or device snoozes, or that you can have them prepared if there’s no Wi-Fi in the area.
Who dares, wins. It’s the slogan of the British special forces, but it might as well be your motto for the day.
Arrive early if possible. This usually gets you in front of the line and a chance to scout out the environment before the crowd becomes a factor.
A sense of preparation, confidence and friendliness can make a strong first impression. A smile, eye contact and firm handshake (if offered) could further that. Have a 30-second soundbite – an “elevator speech” – ready to tell who you are and what you can offer to a company.
Throw in the reason to why you’re attracted to this potential employer and how you could benefit them, or fulfill an opening.
Keep in mind: tempo and clarity. You might have a line behind you and the recruiter’s time is money, but you’re not rehearsing for a job to speed read legalese at the end of a radio commercial.
The handoff and exit. The resume is more effective when handed to the recruiter at the start of the encounter. You speak about yourself; the recruiter may choose to watch you and listen or look over the paper – and hopefully listen.
But in the latter case, you can point to things that may catch the recruiter’s attention and expand upon that. This can lead them to see a way your presence can impact their company openings.
Remember, you want to convey to the person you are seriously interested in working for their company. You want to add as much as you can in the short time to make your encounter stand out. Ask relevant questions. Inquire about a follow-up interview and steps needed to be taken if the recruiter is showing serious interest with body language or spending more time than they had with previous candidates.
When the conversation is done, be courteous, thank them for their time, and request a business card. Try to get their contact information if possible for a follow-up or thank you note, which is another way to make you stand out from the other candidates of the day.
When it comes to thank you notes, keep them short and if you can, professionally tailor it to the individual and their company.
Finally, and most importantly, follow the recruiter’s instructions on applying for the position offered.
It is best to submit your resume and other information online within a few days of the event so that your name isn’t forgotten.
Article images created by DALL-E 3.
SBPA 
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