How to Maximize the Benefits of Attending Job Fair

Get Your “Game Face” on:
Get yourself in the mood. Do a little dance, take a short walk, and laugh a lot. Job hunting is stressful. “De-stress” yourself! To do this you will need to start not on the morning of the fair but days before. If you are stressed and unhappy, that negative energy will be picked up by those you meet. Smile!

Get Your “Game Wear” Out:
All job fairs are professional in their own right. The industry that you work in will dictate what your attire should be however, for the majority of job fairs; it is recommended that you dress conservatively. Be sure your accessories are kept to a minimum, polish your shoes, and save the cologne or perfume for another occasion. Please read my article titled “How to dress for an interview.”

Get Your "Game Plan" in Order - Begin Your Research:
Identify the companies that are participating in the job fair. Do research on that company. Know their available positions, what they produce, and their available services. Don't be discouraged if the companies you are really interested is currently not hiring, meet and greet them just the same. They may be hiring in the future and that is likely the reason why they are participating. They may be seeking qualified candidates to fill positions for an upcoming expansion.

*****During your research, if you find a position that you are interested in, apply online BEFORE attending the job fair. Doing this will position you to have a more effective conversation with the employer.*****

Get Your "Execution Plan" in Motion:
Have your resumes and or your portfolio in distribution ready order. Depending on the number of companies you plan to visit, you should have at least 20-25 resumes prepared and printed on quality resume paper. Be sure your e-mail and contact information is up to date and listed on each page of your resume. Travel with a professional folio and a notebook so that you can take necessary notes keep your resumes wrinkle and stain free. Travel with your business cards! Refer to my article on marketing yourself professionally.

Get Your "Arrival Time" Confirmed:
Remember, “The early bird gets the worm”. Getting to the fair early is beneficial for two key reasons:

1. Not many people are at the fair when the doors open so you have a better chance of getting quality attention of the recruiters;
2. Recruiters are people too. They are likely to be less tired in morning than they would be at the end of the fair. If you are a job seeker then you are in no position to emotionally deal with a tired or grumpy recruiter. Take control of your end of the process and plan right! The greatest benefit to arriving early is that you get valuable "Me Time" to use after your commute but before the start of the fair to unwind, work on your smile, get a cup of coffee and be ready to present yourself with a purpose.

Get Your "Network Smile" on:
Don't just think of the Job Fair as a way to network and make contacts within a company. Broaden your thinking! It is also a great opportunity to meet other job seekers like you. If you don't receive an offer letter from one of the company representatives you met with, you may get a job as a result of the networking you did with a fellow job seekers. Also, you will most likely not be offered a job on the spot, but you should treat each and every meeting as an interim job interview.

Get Your "Stationary" Ready:
After the fair, whether successful or not, send out your thank you letters. Recruiters change jobs too and one of them may be at the hiring end of your next interview....the one at the job fair or the one at another company. More importantly, you are a professional and this is what professionals do.

Get yourself a treat. You did well! Now continue on with your search. It's not over until it's over.

Finally, here is a quote to help you along:

How do I change?
If I feel depressed I will sing.
If I feel sad I will laugh.
If I feel ill I will double my labour.
If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.
If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.
If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.
If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.
If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.
If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.
Today I will be the master of my emotions.

Taken from Og Mandino's book: The Greatest Salesman in the World