Get The Most Out Of Job Fairs
The New England Job Show has teamed up with Judit Price, an employment and career transition consultant and coach, to help you with your job seeking questions.
Judit E. Price, MS, IJCTC, CCM, CPRW
Berke and Price Associates
Skills for Career Success
http://www.careercampaign.com/
More Information On Judit Price.
For more information on Judit click here.
Question:
I am planning on attending the upcoming Job Fair in Loudon, New Hampshire on August 27. What should be my strategy at this fair?”
Answer:
Unfortunately, many job seekers are ill-prepared to leverage the career fair experience. With the checklists that follow, you can reach career fair success!
PREPARATION
- Research the employers attending.
- Check exhibitor websites to learn more about the company, its products/services, etc.
- Map a strategy for working the fair.
- Determine which employers are a priority for you to visit.
- Bring more resumes than you think you need.
- If possible, have versions targeted to specific industries or employers.
- Take part of your Career Portfolio (if you have one).
- These portfolios should include copies of your resumes, samples of your best work, testimonials, evaluations, and a list of references.
- While most career fair interviews are fairly short, there may be opportunities for discussing your portfolio with a recruiter – either during a short break or meal or during a second interview onsite.
- It is best to always be prepared no matter what happens. Think about printing networking business cards with pertinent contact information on one side and a focused mini resume on the other.
- Carry a folder, portfolio, professional tote or briefcase to keep your resumes neat, with space to keep the business cards and material you collect organized, and a pad or PDA for notes.
- Dress professionally as you would for an interview.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Write and practice a 30-second to 2-minute introductory commercial about you. First impressions are critical.
Example: Hand the recruiter a copy of your resume and be prepared to expand on it quickly! Share basic information about yourself and your career interests, for example: “Hello, my name is Marisol Quinones. I have an MBA in marketing with three years of progressively responsible experience as an account representative with XYZ Corporation in Deerfield. I’m very interested in talking with you about the senior bilingual marketing representative positions that your organization is recruiting for. As you can see from my resume, I have completed the following professional education courses in…”
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
- Arrive early, check in, review the directory and floor plan, walk the exhibit area to get a feel for the conference, and revise your strategy if necessary.
- Be confident, display a winning attitude, and stay focused.
- Go to the hosting organization’s Career Help Center if you would like some guidance on your resume, interviewing, job search assistance, or career management advice before you visit employers.
- Otherwise take advantage of these free services before you leave.
DURING THE CAREER FAIR TRADE-SHOW
- Start with your priority employers
- Conduct yourself professionally at all times
- Do not assume a company does not have open positions in your field.
- Don’t judge a booth by its cover.
- Observe the recruiters from a distance or while you are in line.
- Make personal connections
- Before you leave the booth, get appropriate contact information, request a business card, and ask the company what the next step is and how to follow up.
- Take notes on the back of the recruiter’s business card, your notepad, or PDA
- Use the career fair to polish your interviewing skills.
- Network with diversity professional associations at the conference and other jobseekers.
- Take a break to review the literature you have picked up and identify additional questions you may have.
- Before leaving the career fair, head back to the booths where you have some interest.
AFTER THE CAREER FAIR
- Immediately send a thank-you note and reconfirm interest in the position and company. If possible, address the company’s hiring needs, your qualifications, and express your desire for
- Send a letter(s) and email to the company’s contact person, diversity council, employee networks, EEO/AA manager, and/or VP of diversity. Attach a copy of your resume and any thank you notes you sent to company staff. r a second interview.
- Within a week, follow up with a well-rehearsed phone call, unless you were specifically instructed not to.
