In order to be successful in your job search, you need to use all the ways you can find a job. This time, let’s talk about career events, specifically job fairs.
What are job fairs?
This is a kind of exhibition, where employers have their booths (or in the simplest case tables), where you can find out what the company does, what vacancies they have, as well as programs to attract and develop human resources.
It should be understood that employers can participate in job fairs not only to find employees for specific positions, but also as a part of their PR activities.
In addition to employers, recruiting agencies, job placement agencies, career advisers and training centers can also participate in such events. And even some other businesses.
So it is necessary to approach each exhibition stand consciously.
So here are the
8 tips for looking for work at job fairs
1. Research the information about the job fair.
Before you attend the fair, gather information about the companies that will be attending and what positions they may be hiring for. This information can be found on the fair’s website, social media sites, company websites, job portals, and similar online resources.
Make a list of the event participants you are interested in, and the questions you need to ask them.
2. Update your resume.
Make sure your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and tailored to the job you’ll be applying for. Print as many copies as you need.
But act according to the situation, because in many cases it will be much more effective to take business cards of HR managers to send your CV in electronic form, and then call to make an appointment.
3. Dress in office style.
Business clothes will help to make a good impression on potential employers even if the vacancy, to put it bluntly, is not the one to dream of.
4. Prepare your pitch.
Prepare a brief, but informative presentation about your work experience and qualifications. It is quite possible that you will not need it due to the lack of time at the fair, but you should be ready even for an in-depth conversation.
The same applies to communicating with recruiting agencies.
5. Approach the booths of organizations you are interested in purposefully.
Look for moments when there is no one near the booth. If you can’t, your job is to get a business card from the HR manager. And if possible, exchange at least a few words with the HR person to increase the likelihood that you will be remembered.
6. Make notes of your job fair conversations.
Keep a record of the companies you spoke with, the recruiters you met with, and any follow-up you will need to take.
7. Re-contact the fair participants.
After the event, continue to be in contact with the employees you met. Follow up on what you wrote in your notebook: in some cases you’ll need to send a resume by email, in some cases – to fill out an online job application form, and in some – to go to an interview.
Don’t forget to customize each cover letter, mentioning specific details of your conversation with an HR person at a past job fair.
8. Be patient and keep a positive attitude.
Finding a job can be a long process, so be patient and keep talking to employers. A businesslike attitude and persistence will increase your chances of finding the right job.
