A job fair is the ultimate networking opportunity. It provides you with the chance to make in-person connections with not one, but potentially several companies where you’d like to work. And even if you aren’t offered an interview, you’re giving the recruiter a face to put with your name when you follow-up later.
On the flipside, there’s always the danger of making a not-so-favorable first impression (or no impression at all). The best way to prevent this, of course, is to be prepared. Don’t make the mistake of thinking of a job fair as merely an advertising opportunity for companies. They’re on a fact-finding mission in search of potential job candidates that capture their attention. Here are some ways to stand out in the crowd.
Before the Job Fair
Find Out Who’s Coming
A list of attendees is usually posted online. If not, you can call directly to obtain a list. Once you know who’ll be there, you can prioritize whom to approach and what you want to say. Do your research and tailor your conversations to each company. Don’t ask questions that are easily obtained through company literature. Instead prepare questions that arise from knowing their basic history and mission.
Dress Like a Professional
Even if you’re attending a Job Fair at school, you still want to dress like a professional, not a student. This means swiping out your dirty Metallica t-shirt and warm-up shorts for a suit or other business attire. Make sure that whatever you wear fits well and is comfortable.
Come Prepared
Update your resume and print out about 25 copies, depending on how many companies in which you’re interested. You want to have at least two ready for each company. You should also prepare a brief script that introduces yourself, expresses your knowledge of and interest in the company, and relates your qualifications for the position or compatibility with the organization.
Try not to weigh yourself down with stuff. A pen, a notebook and a plain file folder to hold your resumes are really all you need.
During the Job Fair:
Be Assertive
There’s no reason to feel shy or intimidated. The companies are there for the specific purpose of meeting potential job candidates. They expect you to ask about working for them. As long as you’ve prepared informed questions beforehand, it should be easy.
Remember to be polite and personable. Try not to interrupt when a recruiter is speaking to somebody else or to monopolize their time. Wait until you have their full attention and approach them with a warm smile and firm handshake. If appropriate, hand them your resume. Speak conversationally and feel free to ask questions about their ideal candidate, the hiring process and steps you can take to set you ahead in the field. You could also ask about the possibility of coming by their office for an informational interview. Leave on a positive note. Thank the recruiter for their time and request a business card to follow-up later.
Keep an Open Mind
Yes, you should try and approach your high priority companies first, but don’t discount lesser-known companies. You might be pleasantly surprised at what they have to offer. And sometimes the potential for growth and experience is greater at smaller or newer companies than more established ones.
After the Job Fair:
Follow-Up
Now that you’ve laid the foundation, it’s time for the serious work. The recruiters have met a lot of people in a short amount of time. If you want to stay on their radar, you need to follow-up with a thank you note within one to two days after the event, even if you’re not interested in working for them. The goal is to maintain as many contacts in the field as possible, so you should also try to connect with them via LinkedIn.
For the companies you’re interested in, follow the recruiter’s instructions on how to apply. If nothing is available at the time, check in periodically to reaffirm your interest in the company. And be patient. As long as you’ve done your homework and came to the job fair prepared, polite and with an enthusiastic attitude, you’re already ahead of the game.
