How to Sell Yourself at a Job Fair
Job fairs can give you the opportunity to make business connections and the chance to learn more about what kinds of candidates employers want for specific positions. While career fairs are information-seeking events, you should still treat the experience like an extended job interview with several employers. Come prepared to sell yourself and you will stand head-and-shoulders above job seekers who just came for a casual look around.
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Things You'll Need
- 25 to 40 resumes
- Professional interviewing outfit
- Portfolio or small briefcase
- Notebook
- Pen
Instructions
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Develop your 30-second to 1-minute elevator pitch describing who you are and what kind of job you're looking for. This spiel is what you use to introduce yourself when you first shake hands with a potential future employer. Your self-introduction should describe your relevant skills and briefly touch on your career goals. For example: "Hi, my name is Beth Jones. I'm a recent business graduate from Yale with internship experience in marketing communications. I've taken several social media seminars and I'm interested in how communications professionals can use new technology to build up and maintain brand image. I'm interested in pursuing a career in public relations, and I'd really love to hear what opportunities your company has available."
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Peruse the list of employers expected to be at the job fair and research the companies that interest you the most, as if you were preparing for a job interview. You're more likely to make an impression if you know something about a company and can communicate your knowledge intelligently.
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Prepare a list of intelligent questions you could ask employers. Remember that you are selling yourself to companies, so the questions you ask should help recruiters recognize your value or give you the chance to show off your potential. For example, you might consider asking, "how do you think someone with my background and interests could contribute to your organization?" Listen to the answer provided and then build on it. "You're right; I have learned valuable communication skills through my English undergraduate degree. I think I have an understanding of how my skills could apply in a business context, too. I completed an internship as a marketing assistant and found that my writing skills really helped me to succeed."
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Print out 25 to 40 copies of your resume, depending on the number of employers expected at the event. Ensure that your resume is readable and error-free. If you're not sure, ask a friend to look it over for you.
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Dress professionally for the event. A business suit should do the trick for making a favorable first impression. Leave large bags, purses, backpacks and bulky jackets in the coat room. Opt for a sleek portfolio or small briefcase to hold your resumes.
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Approach each employer with confidence, a smile and a firm handshake. Once you're finished talking, ask the recruiter if he has any resources or business cards to give you. If the person doesn't have a card to leave with you, ask if you can quickly jot down contact information in your notebook. Leave a copy of your resume behind.
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Write down any information you learned from one employer before moving on to the next one. Taking some time between introductions ensures that you don't forget important details later. Using the contact information you gathered, write follow-up emails to thank recruiters for their time when you get home from the event.
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Tips & Warnings
Arrive at job fairs early. Employers who travel long distances to attend career events may have to leave before the official end time, so latecomers miss valuable networking opportunities.
Don't circulate among booths with a group of friends. Approach employers on your own to make the strongest first impression.
References
- Photo Credit PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
