Learn How To Succeed At Career Fairs

This http://www.WorkTree.com career article will give you somegreat tips on successfully navigating thru career fairs.  This issue will quickly cover the following:A)  Purpose of Career FairsB)  How To Best Prepare C)  Tips & Strategies During The FairD)  Career Fair Follow-UpA) PURPOSE OF CAREER FAIRSCareer fairs are designed to provide job seekers a way to explorecareer opportunities within a variety of companies at one location.Job seekers should take advantage of these fairs to be better informedabout the job market.   Career fairs must be a part of your overall job search process.    It’s a great way to learn about job openings,research companies and practice your interviewing and networkingskills.  B) HOW TO BEST PREPAREIts important to make the most of your time at career fairs.   Therewill be many employers and even more job seekers vying for attentionso its critical that you prepare in advance of setting foot into thecareer fair.   Here are 5 tips that can help you be well prepared:#1 - PRIORITIZEFind out what companies are going to be attending prior to the day ofthe career fair and identify and prioritize the top companies that youdefinitely want to visit.#2 - RESEARCHSpend a little time researching these companies; the more you know thebetter. Use the Internet, library, etc.  Employers love talking tocandidates who are familiar with their company and business.   It alsomakes you look smart. Candidates who are knowledgeable about a companycome across as intelligent and interested. #3 - YOUR RESUMECreate and/or refine your resume and bring many, many clean, crisp copies to handout.  This is very imporant!#4 - APPROACHCreate a one-minute introduction that summarizes your skills, goals, experience, etc.   Practice this until you are comfortable using thisas your opening.   The  career fair will present many mini interviewsand you need to be prepared for this.  Anticipate interview questionsand practice your responses.#5 - APPEARANCEDress professionally – don’t wear shorts and sandals.  Use good judgement in what you wear and project professionalism.  Bring a nicefolder to carry your resumes and a notepad and pen for taking notes.C) TIPS & STRATEGIES DURING THE FAIRFollow these tips below and you are on your way to a more productivecareer fair.- Relax and plan on spending time at the fair.   Career fairs are not   that frequent so plan your time well.  Try to avoid standing in long   lines.  Go early if possible because the first hour is usually the   slowest.- Always request business cards or at least get an email address so   that you can follow-up and pursue leads.- When you get to actually talk to a company representative – remember   to shake hands firmly and introduce yourself.  This is your chance   to make the best first impression.- Be mentally prepared with a list of question to keep the   conversation flowing.  Ask about the company, the industry, what job   opportunities exist, etc.  Always try to relate your skills and   experience to the company or jobs that may be open at the company. - Visit companies outside your industry.  You will be surprised at how   many companies hire in all types of professions (ie. hospitals,   banks, etc.)- Visit your lower priority companies first.  This way you can   practice and fine tune your approach.  When you are ready, then   proceed to the top priority employers on your list.- Network!   Talk to both employers and other job candidates.   If you  are standing in line, don’t be shy talk to the people in line.     More jobs are filled by networking than any other means.- Conduct yourself with a professional manner at all times.     Employers are watching at all times.  So when you are walking around   or waiting in line, always maintain professionalism. - Be aware of time.  Don’t stand and monopolize an employer’s time.    Its not good for them or for you.  Ask specific questions, get to    the point and most importantly get the contact information for later   follow-up.D) CAREER FAIR FOLLOW-UPIts important to keep yourself fresh in the mind of the employers.To do this, you must send follow-up or thank you letters within twodays.   Always refer to the date and location of the job fair.  Tryand highlight any part of the conversation that stood out to make iteasy for them to remember you.   Always include a copy of yourresume.   You might also want to follow-up with a phone call.Also its important to re-group after a career fair and evaluate yourexperience.   Try and understand what you did right and what can beimproved upon, as this will help you be more productive at the nextfair.  Most importantly, just have a very positive attitude.  Always have asmile and thank each person you speak to for his/her time.  You havesomething to sell and employers are there to shop around, and viceversa.

Sincerely,

Nathan Newberger,Managing Editor

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