Preparing for Career Fairs

Introduction to Career Fairs

A career fair is an event where employers and recruiters come together to meet job seekers. They allow potential employers and candidates to directly meet and exchange information. Career fairs provide job seekers with an opportunity to present their skills and qualifications to a variety of potential employers. By attending career fairs, job seekers can gain valuable insight into a company’s culture, learn about job openings, and build a network of potential contacts.

Getting Ready for Career Fairs

When planning to attend a career fair, there are several steps one should take in order to be adequately prepared for it. First and foremost, job seekers should research the attending companies and positions they have available. Job seekers should look into the company’s history, their mission statement, their products, and any other information they can find to get a better understanding of the workplace. This step is very important as it puts job seekers in a better position to communicate effectively with potential employers.

Creating Your Resume

Creating a polished and eye-catching resume is also essential for the success of job seekers at career fairs. Keep in mind that employers have limited time available to review resumes, so making sure it stands out quickly is important. Resumes should be concise, but clearly state the job seeker’s professional abilities and qualifications.

Rehearsing for Success

Prior to the career fair, job seekers should also practice introducing themselves, summarizing their qualifications, and answering possible questions. It is also important to have questions prepared beforehand to be asked of the recruiters. They should also practice their own lines of questioning regarding the company they are interested in.

Building a Professional Network

Career fairs are also great opportunities for job seekers to build a professional network. Professional courtesy (e.g. being punctual and dressing appropriately) and enthusiasm go a long way. Job seekers should strive to be professional and make a good impression with potential employers.

Collecting Contact Information

Job seekers attending career fairs should also make it a point to collect contact information from any employers they talk to. Following up with potential employers is an important step in the job search process, but it’s not uncommon for job seekers to forget the name and contact information of those they’ve spoken to.

Evaluating Employers

Job seekers should be open-minded to different opportunities that may become available during career fairs. However, it’s also important to be realistic about which employers you would consider working for. It’s a good idea to take notes on the topics discussed, as well as any observations or insights about the companies you meet with.

Follow-up After Career Fair

To ensure that job seekers make the most of the career fairs they attend, they should contact potential employers within 48 hours of meeting them. This is to express appreciation for the meeting, to emphasize their interest in the job, and to thank them for their time. Following up professionally and promptly signals to employers that the job seeker is serious and committed.