During the job search it is easy to feel like you are playing a losing game without a clear understanding of the rules.
Here are a few suggestions for navigating a job fair. Follow these tips to gain a competitive edge.
Get the jump on your competition
- Review the list of participating companies and determine which companies interest you the most. Pick several.
- Collect information about them and do your research BEFORE you get to the job fair. Check out their websites; look for information about them on the internet.
- Match your skills to the company’s needs and job requirements.
- Practice your 15 second introduction. Be sure to include your name, your key skills, and what you can do for their company.
- Review your accomplishments and be ready to talk about them.
- Approach the job fair as you would a job interview.
- Dress appropriately and avoid perfume or cologne.
- Bring plenty of clean, error-free résumés on good quality paper.
- Know what you are looking for. Be able to explain what you can do and what kind of position you want. Remember that it is not their job to figure out what is the right job for you.
- Relate what you know about the company and their products or services.
- Tie your skills and experience to what they need. If you have checked out their website, let them know.
- Enjoy the process; be positive and ready to talk about yourself.
- Smile, shake hands and introduce yourself.
- Ask questions that demonstrate your interest.
- Ask for the interviewer’s business card so you can follow up later. Make notes on the back, so later you can remember what you discussed.
- Don’t bring your kids.
- Don’t try to baffle the recruiter with smooth talk.
- Don’t bring up your past history with the company or their recruiters.
- Don’t grab a handful of freebies. It is okay to take one.
- Visit the not smaller, seemingly less successful employers. You could easily miss a dynamic, little known company that is a perfect match.
- Talk to other job seekers. Exchange information about possible employers. Don’t miss out on this hot source of possible opportunities.
- Sort through the company business cards you collected. Prioritize them for follow up.
- Contact recruiters and hiring managers by telephone. After small job fairs, follow up within 3 days. After large job fairs, follow up within 5 days. Remind them of who you are, when you met, and what job or position you discussed.
- Express interest in meeting with them and offer to send them another copy of your résumé if they can’t locate yours immediately.
- Follow up, follow up, and follow up yet again.
Copywrite. Mary Jeanne Vincent