How to Successfully Market Yourself at a Job Fair
It takes energy and preparation to navigate through a job fair. Create an action plan that will put your best foot forward when meeting prospective employers and possibly earn you that coveted prize: a job.
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Instructions
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Do your homework. Find out which companies are attending the job fair. Choose three to five employers that most interest you and focus your research on them. Review their web sites; learn about their customers, their products and services, and their competitors. See how your skills can be an asset to them. But don't just focus on the big name companies, suggests Sally Kearsley of JobWeb.org. Often you'll find great opportunities at smaller, lesser known companies.
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Prioritize your top companies and visit their tables first. You don't want to miss a chance at meeting those recruiters.
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Set a goal; whether that's leaving your resume with five companies or scheduling three interviews. This will help you move around the room with a purpose and maximize your time at the job fair.
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Bring 25 to 40 copies of your updated resume, depending on the size of the job fair, suggests Kearsley. The resume should be clear, concise, and with no typos!
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Prepare a one-minute commercial about yourself. Even though you are talking about your skills and accomplishments, the goal is to let recruiters know how you will benefit their company. You only have about three to five minutes so be prepared to answer questions as you would in an interview, advises Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., founder of Quintessential Careers. Come with some questions of your own like what can you do to get a second interview.
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Dress sharp. Wear a nice conservative suit even though the dress code at the company might be casual. Don't wear strong perfumes but good hygiene is a must. Don't carry a big purse or backpack. Carry a simple briefcase or portfolio to carry your resumes and to store business cards, suggests Kearsley. Use a firm handshake; make eye contact; and smile. First impressions are everything.
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Leave the career fair with business cards of the recruiters you met so you can send thank-you notes; brochures and other information about the companies that interest you; and notes about the contacts you made at the job fair, states Kearsley. She adds that you will most likely leave with a better grasp of your career options and with a boost in self-confidence when it comes to interacting with prospective employers, since the job fair is a great opportunity to practice your interviewing techniques.
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Send a hand-written thank you note to the recruiters you met within 24 hours. Restate your interest in their company, your qualifications, and your desire for a second interview, suggests Dr. Hansen. Promise that you will follow up with a phone call (and then make sure you call!)
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References
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- Photo Credit white man and woman - business handshake image by endostock from Fotolia.com
