Let’s face it, job fairs can be intimidating! With what can be hundreds of employers and other job seekers in attendance, it can sometimes feel easier to avoid them altogether. Unfortunately, by letting your nerves get the best of you, you run the risk of missing out on an extremely powerful networking opportunity; one that could help you land your next job.
While there are many different types of job fairs, they all share one common theme: preparation is key. Therefore, whether you are an upcoming college grad attending an on-campus career fair, or a more seasoned professional looking for your next big break, here’s how you can make your next event a success:
Pre-register: Take advantage of your first opportunity to get a leg up on your competition by pre-registering for the event online. In many cases, the registration process allows individuals to submit their resume ahead of time, which can help you get a head start on other job seekers who do not give hiring managers early access to their CV.
Additionally, most fairs will give participants access to the list of companies that are attending, so the earlier you register, the more time you have to prepare. Since a job fair can be quite overwhelming in the first place, knowing which companies you are interested in targeting can help mitigate your stress and keep you on track.
Do some homework: Use the list of companies that will be there to create a game plan. Prioritize which organizations you want to connect with, and use this new list to build a cheat sheet that you can review throughout the event. Include information pertaining to: the available positions that call for your skills, the company’s mission, any news about the company’s history or accomplishments, etc.
You want to prepare for a job fair like you would for a normal interview, so when meeting with company representatives, it’s important to demonstrate your knowledge of their organization and ask well-thought-out questions. Doing so will show hiring managers that you are taking the job fair – and your job search – seriously.
Practice your elevator pitch: At most job fairs, job seekers only have a few short minutes to make a lasting first impression with prospective employers. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared with an elevator pitch, or a 30-60 summary of who you are, your goals, and what you can professionally bring to the table. Despite its brevity, crafting and expertly reciting your pitch takes careful thought, so take this task seriously.
Once you have given your “pitch” and feel the conversation is coming to an organic end, be respectful of the hiring manager’s time and move on. To conclude the conversation on a strong note, politely ask to exchange contact information and leave them with a copy of your resume.
Follow up:
Recruiters and hiring managers meet a lot of professionals at job fairs, so the best way to stand out and forge a connection with a potential employer is to follow up within 24-48 hours of the event. When reaching out, try to keep your email straight-to-the point and make sure you reference where you met and what positions you are interested in. Remember, a lack of proactivity can mean a missed opportunity, so don’t wait around for the hiring manager to contact you first.
Get our latest job search and career insights delivered straight to your inbox