In order to tackle job fairs you need to understand the 3 stages: before, during, and after the job fair. You can’t just walk in, talk to some companies, and peace out. It doesn’t work that way. Let’s break this down.
Before you get there
Find a list of participating employers who will be at the job fair. Usually you can find this online or in a newspaper. Find the ones you are interested in and research those companies. By targeting 10 specific companies you want to talk to, you save time and energy at the job fair. Can you imagine walking around to hundreds of booths? What a waste of time! Narrow your search, do your research, and practice what you will say to the employers. Approaching employers can be intimidating. Try and think of a few conversation starters and practice talking about your skills and qualifications. Finally, make copies of your resume. Keep your resume to one page, print a bunch of copies, and put them in a folder where they won’t get wrinkled or torn.
Once you are there
Talk to employers and recruiters but be mindful of their time. They probably talk to hundreds of people a day and their time is precious. Don’t monopolize it. Sense when you have overstayed your welcome and when it is time to move on. Secondly, network with other job seekers. Be friendly with the zoo-like crowd that encircles you. You never know what kind of networking you can do with what you perceive to be the average Joe Schmo.
When you get home
Take the time to write thank you notes to the employers that you were the most interested in or gave you the most time. Even if you have their contact information and you just shoot them a quick e-mail, it really makes a great impression. Doing this little act of kindness will put you miles ahead of your competition in the long run. If you ran out of time and missed a few booths send your resume to some of those employers. It never hurts to attach a little note about how you are interested in their company and really wanted to meet with a recruiter at the fair.
Just remember to stay in touch with everyone you met and network like crazy!
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