What You Need To Know When You Go To A Job Fair
If you are looking for a job, going to a job fair is a smart idea. You can meet employers, hand out your resume, and learn more about the workplace and how to find a new job. Before you head to a job fair, you need to prepare. Here is what you need to know about going to one.
Research Future Employers
One of the most important things you can do before you go to a job fair is research who will be there. You will want to see who you might want to work with, and learn what you can about them. You probably won’t be interested in every employer, and research can help you decide who to pursue. Knowing who you are going to see ahead of time will also allow you to personalize your resume for those companies and know what you will be walking into.
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Have A Pitch Ready
You will want to have your pitch ready. Figure out what you will say to quickly tell the employers a little bit about you. This will start the conversation and tell employers what you can do for them, what your skills are, and what experience you have. Practice your pitch before you go, and you will feel much more comfortable delivering it when you get there.
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Dress The Part
You will want to dress as if you are going to an interview. Make sure your clothing is appropriate, you are clean, and you look professional. You may have on-the-spot interviews at the job fair, and you want to look ready to find a new job. Bringing an extra set of clothes to keep in your car is also a good idea. That way, if something spills or happens, you can still look professional when you talk to employers.
Bring The Right Supplies
Make sure you bring the right supplies to the job fair. Bring multiple copies of your resume, business cards to hand out, and pens and paper so you can take notes or write down important information. As for how many resumes to bring, plan to bring double the number of employers you want to talk to. Having extra resumes is better than running out.
Plan To Get There Early
Make plans to get to the job fair early. Before the day of the event, figure out where the building is, where to park, and how long it will take you to get there. If you get there early, you will not be stressed and will have time to prepare a little before you go in.
Attend The Workshops
At the job fair, there will probably be workshops on different aspects of finding a job. If you attend a veterans job fair, they will probably have workshops about how to transition from military life to civilian life. You can learn a lot from these workshops, so make plans to attend the ones that would be valuable to you during your job search.
Plan To Network
Plan to network while you are at the job fair, not just with employers. Talk to the people around you and don’t be afraid to start a conversation. Networking is such a huge part of job searching and can be the key to finding the right job. Remember though to stay positive. A job fair isn’t the place to vent about a particular employer.
Don’t Be Shy
Go into a job fair with an outgoing mindset. Along with your pitch, you’ll need to carry on conversations with employers. Shake people’s hands, and look them in the eye when you talk with them. This shows you are serious about making connections and finding a job. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and show a genuine interest in each employer you are talking with.
Plan To Follow Up
Make sure you make plans to follow up. Within 24-48 hours, you can send a thank-you card to everyone you connected with. Follow any instructions for applying for jobs that interest you in a timely manner. Keep good records so you remember who you interacted with, and who you might consider working for. Reflect on what you learned at the job fair, and update your resume or cover letters as needed.
Going to a job fair can feel overwhelming, but preparing for what to expect, having the right supplies, and going in with a good mindset can help. While going to a job fair doesn’t mean you will find a job right away, you can still gain a lot from the experience. Check out your local community and military installation to see what they have to offer. Many installations have job fairs targeted to service members who will be ETSing soon as well as veterans and spouses.
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About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.
