Job fairs are a fantastic place to meet employers and find a job. At these fairs you have an opportunity to sell yourself and convince a recruiter that you are the best candidate for your desired position. All too often though, job candidates fail to take full advantage of many opportunities a career fair presents. Lets go over some tips and guidelines.
1. Arrive prepared
Before you arrive, gather as much information as you can about the companies attending and the positions they may be looking for. Decide ahead of time what companies interest you and why. When you speak with a recruiter they will want to know why you want to work there.
2. Wear A Suit
Too many people show up at job fairs dangerously under dressed. Simply wearing work clothes or your best outfit isn’t enough. You have to wear a suit. There is no way to get around this. It’s a must. It doesn’t matter what kind of jobs are being presented, you must wear a suit. Men, this means dress shoes, matching suit jacket and pants, dress shirt, and tie. Ladies, you have a wear suit also though you have the option of wearing either pants or a skirt.
3. Act Professional
This means standing upright with your head up. Offer the person you are speaking with a firm handshake and look them in the eye. Listen carefully to what they say and speak slowly and clearly. Try not to act too anxious or nervous. Be proud of what you have to offer any potential organization.
4. Sell Yourself
You probably won’t get much time to speak with each recruiter so make it what you have to say really count. Have a pitch already prepared before you arrive be ready to tailor to individual companies. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself and tell the recruiter what you can bring to the company. After the conversation is over look the person you are speaking with in the eye and ask for an interview. The worst they will say is that they may get back with you.
5. Follow Up
Get a business card from the recruiter you spoke with so that you can send him or her a thank you note. In the note, thank them for taking the time to speak with you and reiterate why you are the best candidate for the job.
One more tip. When you first arrive practice your pitch with a company you are not interested in. This should help smooth out your pitch before you talk to the company you really want to work for.
