Job fairs have become commonplace these days. They are popular among companies, enabling them to meet many job candidates at once, and also with job hunters, giving them the opportunity to meet with a number of companies all in one afternoon.
If you are planning on attending a job fair, you naturally want to get the most out of it and provide yourself the best opportunity to get contacted for an interview. Here are a few tips on how to do that.
1. Be prepared.
Preparation, as with any endeavor, is key. Do your research. Find out beforehand which companies will be at the fair. You can usually find this information by checking at the job fair website. Try to determine which companies are looking for people with your particular set of skills, so you know whom to target when you go to the fair. Make sure you visit the booths of your target companies first.
Just as with a job interview, if you have identified the companies where you really want to work, you need to do background research on the company so you are prepared to talk intelligently when you meet the company representatives.
Make sure you get a map of the fair showing where the company booths are located. You might even be able to download a map from the fair website, or get a copy at the fair. After visiting the booth of a particular company, you can cross it off on the map, so you know who you have seen and who you still need to visit.
2. Get there early.
Get to the fair before it opens so you will be among the first in line to get in. That way, you will be among the first to talk to the recruiters. Be ready to answer their questions.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of your resume.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least a dozen more copies of your resume than you plan on distributing. The last thing you want to happen is to meet with a company and not have anything to give them.
4. Prepare your “elevator speech.”
This is your 30-second talk selling yourself – explaining what your skills are and how you can help the company. The elevator speech is something you can modify for each perspective company and is what you will be sharing when you initially meet with the representative.
5. Details – wear comfortable shoes, bring water, don’t take handouts.
The first two suggestions are pretty much common sense. You are going to be doing a good deal of walking, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. Having a bottle of water will help to keep you well hydrated.
As is well known, companies have an array of knick-knacks they like to pass out at these events, everything from pens and buttons to mugs and keychains. Try not to load up on these items as you will have to carry them around with you, which will only cause you problems as you meet with other people.
6. Follow up.
When you are at the job fair, get the business cards of the people you talk to. Then follow up with a thank you e-mail within 48 hours. In your message, you can remind the recruiter of your meeting and your job interests. You may not hear back, but doing this can only help your prospects because it shows your professionalism.
If you are looking for work in the Inland Empire, Arrow Staffing is the place to go. We are one of the premier recruiting agencies in the Inland Empire and we have the expertise and network to help you find a job that fits your skills and experience. Give us a call today.
