Get the most out of Job Fairs

Spring is the time when there are job fairs in the region so how do you prepare to be successful at a job fair.

Before the Job Fair

1. Register for the event ahead of time
2. Review and research the companies who will be hosting a table.
3. Make a list of the companies you want to visit.
4. Update your resume to indicate your current employment position, current educational courses or volunteer positions.
5. Know what position you want to apply for within the organization.
6. Identify your skills that will help the company be successful
7. Develop your “Tell me about yourself” or your 30 second elevator pitch
8. Prepare a list of questions to ask the presenters.
9. Be prepared for a screening interview.
10. Plan your outfit as if you were going to an interview.

During the Job Fair

1. Wear comfortable shoes.
2. Plan your route and prioritize the companies you want to visit
3. Ask the presenter about why he or she likes working for the company?
4. Congratulate the presenter for any recent news worthy events.
5. Ask the presenter about the hiring process, what positions they are filling and when they expect to increase their staffing needs.
6. Talk about why you want to work for the company in what position
7. Present yourself as a confident and enthusiastic applicant. 
8. Give the presenter your resume if asked as many companies want you to fill out an online application
9. Don’t monopolize their time, be at each table 5 – 10 minutes
10. Ask for their business cards.

After the Job Fair

1. Do your follow-up
2. Review the material you collected at the job fair.
3. Apply online to the companies you are interested in.
4. Connect with presenters on LinkedIn with a message stating you spoke to them at the job fair and would like to connect with them on LinkedIn.
5. Record all your contacts in your job search activity log.
6. Send a thank you to the people you spoke to at the Job Fair
7. Keep in touch with the presenters.

Remember Job Fairs are an excellent to get to know potential employers and gives you the opportunity to give a first and lasting positive impression to be invited back for a formal interview.

Check out Job Fair April 25, 2-7 at Argiplex, Western Fair.

Mary Whitaker is the Founder and Career Consultant at Rite Careers.  Mary has been providing career coaching services for 14 years assisting many individuals including new graduates, New Canadians and job changers to successfully find their next job in their career development to match their career goals.  Visit our website for further information at www.ritecaree.ca. Contact Mary by email at  Mary@ritecareer.ca or 226-378-9301 for a free ½ hour consultation.