Find out what businesses will be there. The more information you can gather beforehand, the more successful the job fair is going to be for you. Find out what businesses are going to be at the job fair, and spend some time doing some research about them. What types of jobs do they have? What kind of people are they looking for? What kinds of skills do these people need to have? Shortlist the organizations you want to talk with.
Decide on your objective. Are you going with a specific aim or just to mooch around? Once you are clear on why you are going it will help with preparation, both mentally and how you present yourself. Develop some questions you'd like to ask employers. Narrow down your list of businesses to include those who have jobs you are interested in, or are businesses you think you might like to work for. Then list some questions you would like to ask the company representative at the job fair.
Proofread your CV - at least twice. If you don't already have one, it is a good idea to put a CV together for a job fair. It gives employers a blueprint of your skills and something tangible to remember you by. Be sure to proof read your CV before the job fair to find any spelling or grammatical mistakes. Even if you think there are no errors, have someone else look it over too. Don't let errors overshadow your qualifications for a job! Take several professional quality copies with you.
Be sure your CV contains your updated contact information. You'll want employers to be able to reach you if necessary. Double check that your address, phone number, and e-mail address is current.
At the Job Fair:
Dress the part. As with a job interview, first impressions at a job fair are important. How you represent yourself sends an immediate message to employers about how serious you are in your job search. It isn't always necessary to wear a suit to a job fair - unless you are looking for a job that would require you to dress professionally at work. However, you should leave the jeans and t- shirts at home.
"Business Casual" is usually the most appropriate at a job fair such as nice trousers and a collared shirt for men and nice trousers or a skirt and a blouse for women are appropriate. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Avoid wearing excessive jewellery or clothing that is too short or revealing. Take a briefcase or folder. This will contain a pen and paper to take notes, and copies of your CV to hand over to employers.
Take time to talk to employers. Don't just drop off a CV and move to the next booth. Take time to get additional information and make an impression. The point is not to see how many CVs you can give to employers in the least amount of time - it is to establish some solid job prospects. Also, try to avoid approaching employers when they are crowded by a large group of jobseekers. Approaching a crowded stand makes it difficult for employers to answer your individual questions, and they are less likely to remember you when they return to their offices.
Use your research to appear confident and knowledgeable. If you have done research before the job fair, you won't have to ask the question, "What does your company do?" If you have to ask, you are wasting valuable time. Instead, you could be asking questions about the job or department you are interested in. It works to your advantage if you can tell employers how your skills match what they are looking for. Employers want to hire people who are genuinely interested in their company. Do your homework!
Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Let employers know how serious you are. Greet the employer with a firm dry handshake, and maintain eye contact throughout your conversation. Showing interest and good manners is important, regardless of the type of job you are looking for. Every employer appreciates someone who is dedicated, conscientious, and attentive.
Do not monopolize an employers time. Make contact and offer to follow up after the event. Make sure to get a business card so you have contact details.
After the Job Fair:
Follow up with a thank you note. Experts agree that follow-up is an important part of attending a job fair. If you picked up a business card, or the name of the company's job fair representative, send a thank you note a day or two after the job fair. This is not only polite, but will also let the representative know you paid attention, are serious about the job, and that you are the right person for it. Enjoy being proactive in your job search!
Brought to you by Denise Taylor, Chartered Occupational Psychologist. Denise is a careers expert who specializes in helping individuals achieve career satisfaction and to take a systematic approach to job search. Do you need help with job search? Whether it's CV preparation, interview practice, increasing your profile or self marketing, let Denise guide you though the maze so you get a job quicker, make more money and have fun while you do it. Amazing People
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