While the process of searching for and even landing a job online is becoming easier nowadays, some feel that job fairs are outdated and not as effective to their job search journey anymore. We’re here to tell you however that this is a common misconception. Physically and virtually attending job fairs can be a great opportunity for first-time job seekers who are looking to take the next step in their career, or even for seasoned professionals who are simply looking for a better job or exploring different career paths. They are designed to facilitate meeting prospective employers and networking with representatives from different companies in a desired location or industry. These professional interactions can sometimes lead to instant job offers, especially if one is prepared for the event and is able to market themselves by highlighting the value that they can add to a team or a company.
That being said, it is not enough to just attend a job fair and have coffee and passing conversations with other professionals; you have to work hard in order to stand out from the crowd by making a lasting and positive impression on the people you meet and interact with. And as you already know, a major percentage of job offers are a result of successful networking, so to help you network better during your next job fair, we present to you the following top tips:
First impressions matter. And due to the big number of job seekers that attend a job fair, you only get one shot at making a great first impression, so make sure you’re prepared to leave a memorable impression. While putting together an outstanding and updated CV is key when you’re preparing for job fairs, don’t ignore other important preparations. Recruiters and HR Managers will be looking at hundreds of CVs in a matter of a few hours, so you’ll have a better chance at piquing their interest through your personality. so, ask yourself how you would add value to their organization, and why you would be the best choice for them to hire instead of other candidates attending the event. Coming up with answers to these questions is an important part of you preparation process.
Find out which companies would be present at the event and research them thoroughly; go through the job openings they have at the moment, their company vision, mission and values, their competitors, and the products and services they provide. You won’t believe how many job seekers approach company representatives with little or no knowledge of their organization and will ask obvious questions. So, having proper background information about the companies you’re interested in, will not only help you narrow down your choices, but it will also make you look well-prepared and invested in a company while networking with their representatives.
Many job fair attendees forget that they are not in a job interview. The essence of a job fair is to network with other professionals, and not only discussing your job search journey which will be somewhat off-putting. Instead of putting too much focus on getting hired, make sure you introduce yourself properly to the company representative, discuss your academic and personal background, have a light but professional conversation (find out if you have things in common for example), mention that you’re currently looking for a challenging career opportunity, leave your CV and ask them for their contact information. If done right, networking will be your first step to an interview if the company has relevant job openings, or can even be a great way to connect with Hiring Managers that will be thinking of you for future job openings.
Most times, job fairs would have companies outside your field of expertise, so do not be tempted to network with everyone you come across and waste precious time that you could be using to network with relevant people. Do not be afraid of respectfully walking away from companies that are not the right fit for you, even if they are in your field. And by the same token, do not metaphorically force yourself on a recruiter if they state that you would not be a good fit for them, as not only will it waste your time, but it might also cost you a future opportunity with that company.
If you’re planning to sip coffee in a corner and keep to yourself throughout the event, then a job fair is not the right place for you. With hundreds of job seekers present, company representatives would be more than busy talking to the people that approach them to notice others. Introduce yourself and speak to as many relevant company representatives in your field, as you can to maximize your chances of building a meaningful network of professional connections and getting hired in the future. Confident and outspoken candidates will always be at an advantage in events like these, because recruiters will never know how valuable you might be for their organization if you do not tell them.
Remember: networking is not exclusive to hiring managers! Connecting with other job seekers can be helpful too, since you do not know who can help you further your career.
Don’t just leave your CV or business card with Hiring Managers and call it a day, expecting them to contact you. Ask the company representative for their contact information and save it or even try connecting with them online then and there.
That being said, the contact information you collect from company representatives and other professionals you meet at a job fair is not meant to be kept in a drawer and forgotten about. Be proactive and reach out to them online after the event and thank them for their time and consideration. If you have played your cards right and managed to make a lasting impression on them, chances are high that they will remember you and make the first step towards your goal of landing an interview for a specific role.
Do you have any networking tips of your own to share? Leave us a comment and let us know how you manage to stand out during a job fair!
