Job Fair Resume Etiquette

Proper etiquette is important when preparing your resume for a job fair.

Working a job fair is a lot like being in sales. You're out selling, the product is you, and your resume is your calling card. Once the job fair is over, employers looking to hire may start the weeding out process by selecting the best resumes. You can help yours stand out by writing it well and displaying the proper etiquette as you visit the various job booths.

Copies

The Career Services Department at Virginia Tech University says you should take several copies of your resume to a job fair. Take multiple copies, even if you submitted your resume online as part of registering for the job fair.

Variations

In addition to having several copies, you should have various versions of your resume for different positions. For example, a person with experience in web database development and graphic arts would want to play up her database skills for a job as a database administrator but would want to emphasize the graphics arts background for a web designer position.

Expectations

Although you should bring paper resumes, don't become discouraged if employers still ask you to apply online and fill in the same information again. Virginia Tech says changes to federal employment regulations in 2006 prompted many employers to change how they collect and store resume data. Therefore, directing you to apply online shouldn't be considered a brush-off

Preparedness

Make sure your resumes are well-organized inside your carrying bag. This will help you avoid fumbling for your resume while chatting with a potential employer. Also make sure the resumes are positioned in such a way that they don't become dog-eared or crumpled.

Length

You should keep your resume to less than two pages if possible, according to career site Monster.com. Sure, you have lots of great accomplishments to crow about, but not all of your academic, professional and community achievements need to be listed. The site said employers don't like wading through lengthy resumes, so you should keep yours relatively brief, with the most important information listed first.

References

• Virginia Tech University: Job Fairs
• Monster: Resume Tips For Job Fair Success