How Job Fairs Can Work to Your Advantage

Somehow job fairs have become clich?. Many job seekers think that attending job fairs is a waste of time because there are never any good jobs available or they never receive any feedback. The problem stems from job seekers not having a clear objective of what they can gain by attending job fairs and ensuring that they have planned effectively to maximize and achieve desired results.

The planning process includes more than knowing the date, time, and location of the job fair and having a stack of resumes printed and ready to distribute. Planning steps should include the following:

1. Access the job fair's website (most job fairs have one), pre-register, and review the list of companies who are scheduled to participate.

2. Identify the companies you have an interest in and research their websites. You will likely find a list of job availabilities on the site which will give you a jump at knowing what type of positions they are currently seeking to fill and what qualifications are needed. Then when you are speaking to the company's representative at the job fair, you can speak specifically regarding positions that interest you and not simply appear desperate for any available job.

3. While on the websites, look for the company's vision, mission, objectives, and/or the about us page. You want to know as much about the company as you can to get an understanding of their corporate culture and general environment to make sure this is a place you might really want to work.

4. Most people will tell you to bring 15-25 copies of your resume for distribution. On the contrary, you should invest the time to customize resumes based on the companies and available positions that you have researched. This will set your resume and cover letter apart for the sea of other generics. You should also bring a few general copies of your resume in case you discover an opportunity that you did not prepare for.

5. Plan your wardrobe ahead of time (dress professionally) and arrange to attend with a friend if possible. Most people feel less awkward and more confident when they have someone along.

6. Prepare yourself a professional name tag and wear it (not a stick-on written with a Sharpie).

Once people arrive at a job fair they tend to wander somewhat aimlessly around, collecting brochures or information from the vendor's tables. Then they place their resumes in a tray or the assigned spot, engage in a brief exchange with the company representative and move on. The following is what one should do once you arrive at the job fair:

? Before approaching any of the tables, identify where the companies you researched are located in the venue and start with your company of interest where there is the least amount of traffic. The less people you have to compete with, the more time you will have to engage in meaningful conversation with the company representatives.

? Start by introducing yourself and call them by name if they are wearing a name tag. Let them know that you previously researched available positions and want to know if that particular position is still available.

? Also ask about future job availabilities and be certain to get a business card and write on the back of that card any opportunities they tell you may be up-coming.

? Once you have met with your companies of choice, meet with as many other companies as you can and leave them a generic resume. You may come across an unexpected opportunity.

? If actual recruiters are attending the job fair, they will expect you to be prepared to talk about your career objectives, strengths, interests, relevant skills and abilities, why you want to work for their organization, and what experience and value you bring. Steer clear of generic answers that the person standing next to you can give. Tell them specifically about you so that they will remember you.

In addition to meeting with company representatives and positioning yourself for potential employment, a job fair is a great opportunity to make networking contacts. Although many of the attendees are in the job market as well, you may be able to use this to your advantage. Find out about organizations they belong to or future job fairs and events they might be attending which might help you expand your search. The job fair is also a great place to learn about industries and companies you may not have previously considered and to practice your verbal communications and interview skills. Last but not least, it gives you an opportunity to case your competition and see how you measure up. By engaging in conversation with other job seekers, you can learn about their educational background, experience and strengths. You can use this knowledge to strengthen your professional development plan so that you can keep and maintain a competitive edge.

Sheila R. Wall
http://www.jobsearchknowhow.wordpress.com