How to Approach Prospective Employers at Job Fairs

Job fairs provide new graduates and professional job seekers an opportunity to meet many prospective employers at one time. In one day, you can have brief interviews with dozens of employers and find a company that suits your talents and needs. Mastering the art of how to approach prospective employers at jobs fairs will help you maximize your time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Business attire
• Multiple copies of your resume

Look Before You Leap

1. Remember to wear comfortable shoes that match your business attire when attending job fairs. For men, this can mean dress shoes that coordinate with your suit. For women, this means sensible flat dress shoes that compliment your attire, as well. Sneakers are not acceptable, no matter how comfortable.
2. Allow 5 to 10 minutes to observe prospective employers before you get in line for an interview.
3. Approach job fair booths from the side to pick up materials on the company. Read these over before talking to anyone so that you have a background on the business and know a bit about what they're looking for.
4. Listen to other conversations between job seekers and prospective employees. This will help you determine which person you should speak to based on the questions asked, personality and attitude.

Make Your Approach

5. Get in line after you have an idea what prospective employers are looking for based on your observations.
6. Strike up an interesting conversation with a unique fact about yourself and why you are interested in the company. After seeing hundreds of applicants throughout the day, this piece of information will help prospective employers remember you when you follow up.
7. Ask questions. Don't let the employers be the only ones doing the interviewing. After all, this company has to fit your needs, too.

Follow Up with Prospective Employers

8. End the interview with a polite thank-you and a firm handshake.
9. Take a business card to contact the interviewer after the job fair as a follow-up.
10. Send an email or make a follow-up phone call within three days of the job fair. Keep in mind that the representative may be traveling to many cities, though, so you may have to wait for a response.

Tips & Warnings

• Online job search services can help you prepare for a job fair with helpful tips and advice.
• Keep in mind that job recruiters are required by U.S. Federal law to see all applicants, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.