A job fair is an event where recruiters or employers pass information to prospective employees. A job fair is also known as a career fair or career expo. In a job fair, you can network with fellow job seekers in your industry and the employers.
You might get a job at a job fair or miss, but in both cases, you will always gain a lot of inside information from numerous industries, and that helps you expand your network more.
How do you find the right job fair?
There are different types of job fairs. Most of them are multi-employers or in-person shows held in locations such as conference centers. Job fairs, organization is by either the audience or in most cases, the industry.
To get the right job fair for you, you can check a virtual fair or look for them in your state. You can search online for job fair near me to locate all the ongoing job fair events. Track down the different types of jobs offered at such events. There are job fairs dedicated to veterans, for beginners while others focus on the whole working group. If you are looking to advance your career, it is advisable to attend as many job fairs as possible.
What are some tips for job fair success?
Dress appropriately
Your dress code should be professional. Dress as if you are attending an interview, since you will meet various company representatives and recruiters. It is also to put into consideration the type of shoe you will put on since you will be standing up for a long time. Put on comfortable shoes.
Carry your resume
As it is the norm to carry your resume when attending an interview, you should also have them, but in this case, make them several copies. These copies will be for the representatives and recruiters. You should also carry along your business cards to exchange with the recruiters, company representatives and even the other job seeker you mingle with at the fair. It is also advisable to have a pen and notepad in case you need to note down for future reference.
Prepare your introduction speech
You should have a speech at your fingertips that will easily expound on your skills and experience. It will come in handy when introducing yourself to the recruiters and company representatives. With it, you will easily describe who you are and the kind of job you are looking for.
Network as much as you can
At job fairs, finding a job might be the primary goal, but you should also network as a secondary goal. Networking will help you expand your professional network and could easily land you a job in the future.
Photos by Ricardo Frietag, https://www.lebenslauf.org
Positive energy
Despite the whole process being drained you should always remember to smile and use a friendly tone in your conversation. It will leave the recruiters with a positive impression of you.
Send thank-you notes
After the whole process is over, take your time and send a little thank you note to the representatives you met at the job fair. You can as well send a brief email. It will remind them of why you are the best candidate.
A job fair is not only a hub of brains where employers harvest the best, but it is also an excellent platform for exchanging ideas between employers and employees.
