Job fairs can provide an opportunity to explore different sources of employment, but there are a few tips to follow for a successful experience. One of the most important job fair tips is to pre-register for the event and obtain a list of participating employers to save time at the fair. An applicant will need to have a few résumé copies, a list of references, and work samples for each potential interview. A job-seeker must dress conservatively, plan an interview strategy, and rehearse for a very brief interview. Helpful information should be shared with other job seekers and a follow-up must be conducted after each interview.
Careful planning is one of the most important job fair tips to follow for a successful experience. Many job fairs have a pre-registration process that allows job-seekers to submit a summary résumé to prospective employers before the event takes place. Pre-registration gives employers an opportunity to pre-screen applicants and make plans to meet the most interesting prospects. In addition to pre-registering, it may also be possible to obtain a list of potential employers who plan to attend the job fair. This list can help identify possible employers and make time for more interviews during the event.
There are a few other job fair tips that can help eliminate common mistakes. An applicant should bring at least two résumé copies for each potential employer and have them ready to give to the interviewer. Many recruiters prefer to conduct initial interviews with several applicants at the same time. Job-seekers sometimes find it helpful to have their first résumé page enlarged for easy viewing during a group interview. A list of professional references and several good work samples should be included with the résumé.
Wearing conservative, professional attire is very important when attending a job fair. Recruiters often judge an applicant by the first impression made, so being properly dressed may help. It is also a good idea to develop an interview strategy before arriving at the event. Interviews should be conducted with top employment prospects during the morning hours. Secondary prospects can be seen during the middle of the day, with a brief follow-up visit to top prospects in the late afternoon.
One of the most overlooked job fair tips is being prepared for a very brief interview. Job fair interviews often last less than two minutes, and adequate preparation is essential. Some experts recommend developing a short commercial-style presentation that covers the basic interview information. It is important for applicants to be enthusiastic and make frequent eye contact with the recruiter during the interview.
Sharing helpful information with other job-seekers can be beneficial for everyone. This practice may help to build a network of shared information among applicants and open doors to employment that were previously unknown. It is a good idea to follow-up on any interviews conducted at the event. The best way to do this is by sending a thank you letter to the recruiter with an additional résumé copy. This letter should be sent the day after the fair to keep the information fresh.