How to be Successful at Working a Job Fair

In a competitive global market having the knowledge and skills to land a job is crucial, and it is equally essential to know how to prepare for a job fair. This skill can “make” or “break” a job fair participant. Because a job fair participant will more than likely “hit” several potential employers at one time, the participant will need to know how to quickly maneuver through the process. Whether you are looking to change jobs, have been downsized, or whatever the reason, the following guidelines will help you get prepared to successfully work a job fair.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Many of your Resumes
• Pen or Pencil
• Paper
• Listing of Job Fair Employers
• Portfolio for resumes and business cards

1. 
    
   Resume'

   Update your resume. If you are targeting a specific job, your resume should reflect that. Make several copies of your resume to take to the job fair.

2. You should practice a verbal introduction to a prospective employer. It should be like a commercial where you introduce yourself within 30 seconds.

3. Prior to the job fair obtain a listing of the employers who will be there. Use the internet and other resources (i.e. Chamber of Commerce, local library) to research information on those companies. Target your search to companies you are interested in.

4. Since Human Resources personnel are generally attendants at job fairs and typically perform “on-the-spot” interviewing be prepared to answer and ask questions. Take questions with you that you have prepared to ask to gain information about the company. This is most definitely an “interview”, so you should be dressed professionally.

5. Know exactly what position(s) you are willing to accept and be specific. Focus your time and energy on the companies that are looking for candidates for the position(s) you are interested in. Request their business cards for follow-up.

6. Take a portfolio for your resumes and the business cards you collect. Prior to the job fair find out if you will have to pay for parking. If so, take money for parking. You should not take children, spouses, or anyone who is not job hunting.

7. When you go to employers booths have a positive, upbeat attitude. This makes an impressive impact. Go to the employers booths that you targeted during your “Preparation” period and other booths you may be interested in. Collect contact and company information from all of them. Be sure to allot adequate time with each employer on your “target” list.

8. Network with other candidates. You may be surprised what nuggets of information you find out about employers and how helpful other candidates may be during your job search. Besides these pluses, you may have made a friend for life! Please see the "Resources" section below to view two videos that will help prepare you for a job fair.

Tips & Warnings

• Tip: A helpful resource for creating a 30 second introduction is J. Michael Farr’s book, Getting the Job You Really Want. It is published by JIST Works, Inc. and provides sample mini-resume cards.

Resources

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lt75KdVi5A
• http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Dress-for-a-Career-Fair-8586052

[showpup]

on 1/6/2009 Good information on participating with job fairs. I am looking into job fairs, myself but I will be on the other side of the table. 5 stars