by job- search- adviser. net
> Job Fair Tips
Local job fairs are a great place to meet nearly every large business in the area.
Many businesses will travel from up to one hundred miles away to showcase their company to you.
They want to show you what benefits they have so you will apply to their company.
Now you need to show them why your benefits will help their company and why they should interview you. Let’s look at some
job fair tips that will get you started.
> Before the Job Fair
First you want to make sure that you have a lot of fresh resumes. This may be the only time that I say that a ‘generic’ resume is OK. You will want to take anywhere between 20-50 depending on the size of the job fair. You should carry them in a professional looking portfolio so they cannot become dented, folded or bent. It would also be smart to have a few references sheets available for employers who ask for them.
Make sure that you are dressed appropriately in a professional manner in navy blue or black. This outfit should be pressed, and have no pattern. You will want to avoid any perfumes since there are many who have allergies and asthma. Dressing professionally comes in handy since you never know when an employer may be interested in having an interview on the spot at a job fair. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes; you will be on your feet for quite a while.
Have a few pens or pencils with you so you can fill out applications. Some employers will want you to fill them out immediately at their booths, and some will allow you to take them home with you to fill out and return at your leisure. But always be prepared for the possibility.
Be prepared to answer questions from the recruiter. They may have simple interview type questions for you. This is to see if you are going to be someone that they would like to see more of. If you want to come in for a more detailed interview, have these answers prepared in advance and you can’t go wrong.
> The Time Has Come
Arrive early! You will want to make sure that you register, get your nametag and map your most desired stops out first. If you are able to stop by the booths you want first you won’t have to worry about fighting them later with 10 other people around and not being seen for the talented individual that you are. Arrive early and you can have their attention and you can showcase your resume to them firsthand.
Ask questions of the recruiters. Make sure that they know you are interested in what they have to offer. You want to make sure that you have a few questions, like you would have in an interview, ready for them. This will open the doors of communication and let them know you are the right person for the job.
Never interrupt someone else speaking. This shows a lack of concern and may prove to be a down fall for you. You will want to be firm and get your thoughts in, but you don’t want to be pushy.
> After the Fair
Take business cards from each booth that you visit. This will enable you to send thank you cards to each of the people that you visited. Most of the other participants will not think to do so, and you will have a heads up. Etiquette only calls that you do this after an interview, so this will be the icing on the cupcake for you. Thank them for the time, let them know that you were interested in their company and you hope to hear from them soon.
> Points to keep In Mind:
- Take business cards
- Send thank you notes
- Don’t interrupt
- Ask questions
- Be prepared to answer interview questions
- Arrive early
- Have pens and/or pencils
- Have extra resumes
- Dress professionally
- Wear comfortable shoes