Job Fairs are comprised of a multitude of job seekers, hoping to be interviewed by a recruiter who will evaluate their skill set and experience in order to find an opportunity that fits both the client’s requirements and the job seeker’s goals. Whether the advertisements for a company’s opportunities are posted online, on free job boards, HRDC or presented in an expensive newspaper ad, one thing is certain: face time with a recruiter or perspective client (or a candidate) is invaluable.  A smile and a 30 second statement goes much further than clicking on the “submit” button on your computer.

Attending a job fair may be an overwhelming experience.  Job seekers should come with resumes in hand and ready to sell themselves in their 30 second time slot for those new attractive opportunities.  Preparation is key when given the opportunity to have one on one time with a prospective employer. Here are a few tips for job seekers when preparing for a job fair.

Rule #1 Treat a Job Fair As You Would an Interview

Since the candidate will be meeting with hiring managers and recruiters it is essential that they treat the job fair as they would an interview; come dressed for success and prepared.

Rule #2 Do Your Research: A Common Theme

Although you will likely not be able to research each company that you plan on speaking to, it would be a good idea to know what companies will be at the job fair. Out of those companies the job seeker should know which ones they would like to target for employment, and it would be ideal to have some background information into the workings of the company’s business.

Rule #3 Elevator Pitch: Thirty Seconds of Perfection

Look around you; the ratio of job seekers to recruiters and company representatives is severely unbalanced.  You will need a strategy and pitch that makes you stand out from the crowd.  Learn to be concise and to the point about what you have to offer, why you are a good fit for the job, and what you hope to get out of the position. 30 seconds is all it will take…

Rule #4 Stick To What You Know

You may have always wanted to be an astronaut, but that's likely not your skill set and similarly, you are not qualified for that position. Keep that in mind while attending a job fair. Target your focus on positions that are attainable based on your qualifications and suit your future goals.

Rule #5 Follow Up

It would be extremely beneficial for a candidate to make sure that their calendar, post job fair attendance, is open to follow up with the recruiters that met with them.  Opportunity does not always fall in your lap; you must be able to take the time, and put in the extra leg work for those positions that really catch your interest.

Following these steps should help ensure a higher degree of success when attending a job fair.

We hope to see YOU at the next Soroc Job Fair!