What to Do At a Job Fair to Impress Employers and Get the Interview

This article provides guidelines for job seekers to follow to ensure they are successful at career fairs. There are many things you can do to improve your chances of getting hired at a job fair.

By Douglas Wade, Attorney

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Table of Contents

1. The functioning of job fairs

2. What actions should you take during a job fair to leave a good impression?

3. Before the employment fair, spend some time getting prepared

4. Find out who will be present

5. Prepare your Pitch

6. Compile a set of questions

7. Arrive early and prepare an offensive strategy

8. Have patience

9. When introducing oneself, smile

10. Utilize the job fair as a chance to network

11. Be ready for anything unexpected

12. Make a lasting impression

13. Follow up

The functioning of job fairs

The idea of meeting new potential employers and learning about career options is what makes job fairs interesting events. The competition for the same recruiters’ attention among other job searchers might be scary as well. Make a quick impression to set yourself apart from other job hopefuls. During a job fair, follow these tips to attract employers’ attention.

This writing is informed by representing thousands of employers; additionally, the best data comes from my first-hand conversations with business owners and their leadership team.

What actions should you take during a job fair to leave a good impression?

This is the first and most important point in the list of ‘What to do at a job fair?’ Being ready for a job fair is crucial. This is the ideal chance to establish a good impression on potential employers. Attending job fairs allows you to meet recruiters face-to-face and establish personal contacts, even when technology has taken over most aspects of the applicant and job search process.

Before the employment fair, spend some time getting prepared

A job fair is not the place to wing it. Ensure that all of the material on your resume is up-to-date, accurate, and error-free. To ensure you are adequately prepared for every company you come across and any other possible employer you might encounter, print off additional copies than you anticipate using. Print some business cards if you’ve got time, and bring them as well.

Bring a resume that is specific. It is a critical part of ‘What to do at a job fair?’ Create a new version of your CV that emphasizes your qualifications for the job you’re interested in, if you have one. Have several of them with you for every job so you can hand them over to employers when you see them.

Having the appropriate clothes, having a haircut if necessary, and ensuring that you look as good as possible on the occasion of the job fair are all additional components of preparation. First impressions matter a lot. Make sure you are aware of what is required of you by your employers and in terms of professional clothes. Your best option is business clothes.

Find out who will be present

Examine the recruiters who will be present at the job fair in detail. Prepare for the interview by doing some research on each organization you are considering working with. With the help of our handy Employer Review tool, you may discover nearly all the information you require. Be prepared for everything because employers frequently conduct on-the-spot assessments.

Be ready to customize your discussion to each company you wish to work with. Consider how your expertise and skills might be applied to the particular role.

Don’t restrict your options to a select few businesses. Examine those who are outside your comfort zone as you learn more about the individuals you think will make a good fit. It might possibly present you with unanticipated career prospects.

Prepare your Pitch

When it comes to ‘What to do at a job fair?’ preparing your pitch is very important. You can make a set of questions and plan your pitch after you know which companies will be present at the job fair. A brief synopsis of your qualifications, background, and experience—if any—should be included in your pitch. In your pitch, you can highlight the value that a recent graduate will bring to the organization. When you stand in the presence of the recruiter, you will only have around thirty seconds to speak, so make the most of it.

Get trained on your pitch. This is equally as crucial as actually having one. Practice with family and friends to ensure that you seem friendly and genuine, and to ensure that you know precisely what you are trying to convey.

Compile a set of questions

While recruiters are available to interview job seekers, it will make you stand out if you pose a few pertinent questions yourself. As you converse with the recruiters, employ a brief list of questions that are pertinent to the sector. You’ll look knowledgeable and dedicated to finding a job.

It’s acceptable to inquire about the organization’s culture and the qualities the organization seeks in new hires from the recruiter.

Arrive early and prepare an offensive strategy

Although you are aware of who will be there, you still need to view the fair’s layout and choose the best route around it. When you’re feeling fresh, it can be advantageous to have a conversation with your top companies first thing in the morning and then at the end of the day, focus on your other options. This allows you to thank your favorite people for their time by going back to them later in the afternoon.

Arrive early and make the most of your extra time. Check out the social media profiles of your top choices by going online. Any new posts that could serve as useful conversation starters during your interview should be noted. Additionally, take a few minutes to browse the most current job advertising on the firm websites.

Have patience

Stay in queue if there is a waiting list for the organization you have an interest in. Reviewing your notes regarding the position and the business is one way to pass the time, as is listening in on other people while they speak with the recruiter. When it’s your chance, you can apply the knowledge you possess that you may not have known before. You can take a moment to gather yourself, double-check that your resume is appropriate for the position, and inhale before you have to go forward by standing in line.

When introducing oneself, smile

When you smile you come across as upbeat. Instead of waiting for the hiring manager to approach you, take it upon yourself to approach and make an introduction. Prior to the event, practice it and keep it basic. Aim to make eye contact and even rehearse your position when you present yourself. Consider your body language and facial expressions in order to convey an approachable and open demeanor.

As significant as your greeting is the way you leave. Keep your visit brief. Though not in the way you intended, it will allow you to stand out. Present yourself, smile, and deliver your pitch. Before going on to give another job seeker an opportunity, ask any pertinent questions and respond to theirs.

Utilize the job fair as a chance to network

Attending job fairs is a great way to network. Although networking with employers should be your initial strategy, you can also learn about organizations that may have open opportunities and obtain details on other employment leads by using other job candidates. Utilize the opportunity to expand your network by learning about professional organizations at the expo along with what they can offer. Networking should be your top priority in the list of ‘What to do at a job fair?’

Be ready for anything unexpected

Not many questions beyond the fundamentals will be asked of you at the job fair unless business is slow. Still, be prepared for anything. Have answers to common interview questions prepared in case a recruiter asks more questions. Consider concentrating on the most typical inquiries, such as “What brings you here?” and “How much do you understand about our company?” As for the question, “How can you benefit our business?” be sure you have a relevant reply ready. In our collection of interview questions, you will find responses to frequently asked questions.

Make a lasting impression

Before you depart, be sure to inquire about further steps in order to show the recruiter that you would be interested in their organization. Express gratitude to the other person for giving you their valuable time and propose to meet with them in the office to have a longer, substantive conversation. Request a business card from everyone you interact with. Having each recruiter’s card in hand will be helpful when you follow up because, if you speak with multiple recruiters, you’ll rarely remember their names.

Sort the business cards when you arrive home. After the job fair, spend the opportunity to add relevant connections to your professional LinkedIn network. You can throw away those who you know you’ll not use.

Follow up

Allocate time to ensure follow-up. The discussions you held at the job fair will determine how you handle this. Send a brief note expressing gratitude to the connection for their cooperation if you weren’t able to discuss a particular opening. Recall your interaction with the recruiter if you discussed a particular position, and make sure to mention some topics you discussed. Once more, appreciate them for giving you their time, let them know you’re interested in the job, and find out what happens next if you attend a job interview at the job fair. Ensure that they are aware of your availability for a follow-up interview.

Every email that follows up must be distinct. To all the employers you interacted with, avoid sending the same message. Your chances of sticking in the recruiter’s memory are higher the more details you may share from the discussion. This is particularly crucial if there are many other applicants at the employment fair and the business is visited by many people.

Your actions around ‘What to do at a job fair?’ are fundamentally the same whether you happen to be a recent graduate or a seasoned professional. Success in obtaining fresh connections, securing an interview, or earning experience all depend on your preparation.

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

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What to Do At a Job Fair to Impress Employers and Get the Interview

The functioning of job fairs

What actions should you take during a job fair to leave a good impression?

Before the employment fair, spend some time getting prepared

Find out who will be present

Prepare your Pitch

Compile a set of questions

Arrive early and prepare an offensive strategy

Have patience

When introducing oneself, smile

Utilize the job fair as a chance to network

Be ready for anything unexpected

Make a lasting impression

Follow up

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