A job fair (also known as career fair) is an event where employers and recruiters meet prospective job seekers. That's a place where both parties have a chance to exchange information and get to know each other a little bit better. Job fairs are also organized online which means job seekers can get in contact with prospective employers sitting on the couch. Any job fair is an opportunity to show off your skills and gain some contacts. Even if they don't do any good immediately they might be helpful in the future. So if you are seeking a job this is kind of even you can't ignore. But the question is that do you do there? Are there any things job seekers have to know prior to attending job fairs that could help them succeed during the event? In this article, we will provide several tips on what to do at job fairs...
Professional Recommendations to Job Seekers Attending a Job Fair
Before you ever attend a job fair it might be a good idea to check out the list of participants (i.e. employers who attend the event). This will give you an opportunity to do some research before you go there to meet potential employers. Look up the companies' websites and see what you can find about them online. The knowledge that you will gain about those companies might make a difference between you and other job seekers. This will also help you develop some questions so that you could have a meaningful dialogue with prospective employers. You may think this is not a big thing, but when you seem to be prepared you can make a totally different impression on those who represent companies and recruiters. Why waste the chance then?
Based on the information that you will have after your research you can choose the companies you are most interested in. Having this kind of list will help you organize your time better as you will know who you are going to talk to first. It makes sense to start with those companies that you would want to work the most. Take a notepad and a pen (a tablet would work even better). We bet there will be situations when you will need them to jot down important information. You will probably meet a lot of people so you also would benefit from taking notes so that you don't forget important things.
Also, don't forget to take 15-30 copies of your CV. The number can vary in accordance with the number of employers and recruiters who are going to be at a job fair. Make sure you dress like you would have been going to a regular job interview. Well, it is kind of an interview anyway. It is important to focus not only on the employers and recruiters. It is obvious why many job seekers concentrate only on them, but there are other people around who might have a friend who could help your particular career challenge. So if you have time and chance you could also talk to other attendees. But when you talk to employers and recruiters make sure you ask for a business card or at least contact information. First, it will demonstrate your interest. Secondly, you will know whom you should send a brief thank you note. Thirdly, it gives you a direct contact for the company.
