by Clea Badion, Robert Half International
What do you think of when you hear the phrase "job fair"? If laminated name tags, free pens and handing out countless resumes come to mind, you're not alone. Career fairs can be overwhelming. After all, how are you supposed to distinguish yourself from a crowd of hundreds of other job seekers?
It all comes down to preparation. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on the job fair floor:
Focus on quality over quantity. The most daunting part of a career fair can be the sheer number of employers attending. While handing out dozens of resumes may feel like an accomplishment, you'll have a better chance of landing an interview by narrowing the field to a more manageable amount -- perhaps five to 10 potential employers who appeal to you.
Spend time before the fair researching the firms that will attend by visiting their websites and reading relevant articles about them. Being well-versed in a firm's products or services, competitors, and mission will help you make a positive impression on the hiring manager from each company. For bonus points, call the companies you're interested in and find out the name of the person attending the job fair. Then you can write a cover letter to that individual and hand it to him or her, along with your resume.
Dress for success. It may be tempting to show up at a recruiter's booth in shorts, flip-flops and a tank top. After all, it's not like you're actually interviewing with the company, right? Wrong. Demonstrate your professionalism by dressing as though you had been invited to a job interview by wearing a business suit. Also keep in mind that your social skills are on display at the fair: Be friendly, make eye contact with recruiters, and offer a firm handshake.
Hone your pitch. When you meet with a recruiter at a job fair, you want to be prepared. Create a 30-second overview of your skills, accomplishments and career goals. Your pre-fair research should help you craft a targeted pitch and compose questions about a specific company or position. This is your opportunity to talk about how you can benefit a potential employer.
Follow up. After the event, send a thank-you note to everyone you met. Remind them of your relevant skills and interest in the job. If you jotted down some notes during your interview, use them to tailor your message.
Go virtual. If a traditional job fair seems daunting, try a virtual one. Virtual career fairs are held online and are becoming more popular. Job seekers and employers communicate via e-mail and instant messaging. The same rules apply to virtual job fairs: You need to prepare, target specific employers and be professional.
Though attending a career fair won't guarantee that you'll find a new job, participating in one can bring you one step closer to your goal. At the very least, you'll be able to practice your self-promotion skills and hone your job-search strategies.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.
What do you think of when you hear the phrase "job fair"? If laminated name tags, free pens and handing out countless resumes come to mind, you're not alone. Career fairs can be overwhelming. After all, how are you supposed to distinguish yourself from a crowd of hundreds of other job seekers?
It all comes down to preparation. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on the job fair floor:
Focus on quality over quantity. The most daunting part of a career fair can be the sheer number of employers attending. While handing out dozens of resumes may feel like an accomplishment, you'll have a better chance of landing an interview by narrowing the field to a more manageable amount -- perhaps five to 10 potential employers who appeal to you.
Spend time before the fair researching the firms that will attend by visiting their websites and reading relevant articles about them. Being well-versed in a firm's products or services, competitors, and mission will help you make a positive impression on the hiring manager from each company. For bonus points, call the companies you're interested in and find out the name of the person attending the job fair. Then you can write a cover letter to that individual and hand it to him or her, along with your resume.
Dress for success. It may be tempting to show up at a recruiter's booth in shorts, flip-flops and a tank top. After all, it's not like you're actually interviewing with the company, right? Wrong. Demonstrate your professionalism by dressing as though you had been invited to a job interview by wearing a business suit. Also keep in mind that your social skills are on display at the fair: Be friendly, make eye contact with recruiters, and offer a firm handshake.
Hone your pitch. When you meet with a recruiter at a job fair, you want to be prepared. Create a 30-second overview of your skills, accomplishments and career goals. Your pre-fair research should help you craft a targeted pitch and compose questions about a specific company or position. This is your opportunity to talk about how you can benefit a potential employer.
Follow up. After the event, send a thank-you note to everyone you met. Remind them of your relevant skills and interest in the job. If you jotted down some notes during your interview, use them to tailor your message.
Go virtual. If a traditional job fair seems daunting, try a virtual one. Virtual career fairs are held online and are becoming more popular. Job seekers and employers communicate via e-mail and instant messaging. The same rules apply to virtual job fairs: You need to prepare, target specific employers and be professional.
Though attending a career fair won't guarantee that you'll find a new job, participating in one can bring you one step closer to your goal. At the very least, you'll be able to practice your self-promotion skills and hone your job-search strategies.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.
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