Career Fairs: 7 Best Practices

A major part ofA jobA search is getting yourself out there.A WhatA better way than to attend a career fair?A First, there are usually open jobs at companies that attend career fairs. Second, you’ll have the chance to meet employers and others face-to-face! If you areA going to go, do some serious preparation.

In order to make the most of your time at career fairs, follow these best practices.A

No, you won’t walk out of a career fair with a job offer and they aren’t a waste of time if you approach them with the right objectives.

1.A Find out what companies will be there andA research them for a “Must Visit” list.

It sounds obvious, but, if the company isn’t in your field or industry, then, you probably don’t NEED to visit their table.

You won’t have time to wander through the event and visit every employer so you’ll want to review the list of participating companies a day before the event. Look for companies on your target list first to see if they will be there. Next, look for any employers you’ve been curious about. You should plan to visit 5-10 companies during the event. A

2.A Visit their websitesA andA see what jobsA they have posted.

Generally, companies that attend aA career fair have posted jobs.A If you can’t find them on theirA website, check Indeed or LinkedIn.

3. Bring a resume

It’s unlikely that you will be able to submit your resume for available jobs during the career fair. They would prefer you apply online. However, having a resume that speaks to your skills to “show” the recruiter or person at the table, can be helpful.

4. Prepare your pitch

You will absolutely be asked “so what do you do” numerous times at a career fair. This is your chance to concisely explain what you are looking for and what you are good at doing (your value). Remember, recruiters at a career fair meet hundreds of people so you want your pitch to be short and memorable. Keep it to 30 seconds or less. Here’s a formula to help you answer “tell me about yourself.”

5.A Wait in line

Make the most of your time while waiting in line. Ask the person near you what kind of work they do, what other companies they have visited, and strike up some small chat to kill some time and meet new people. This is also a chance for you to practice your pitch or answer to the question “what do you do?” Use this time to meet other job seekers and share industry news.

5a. Ask good questions of the recruiter at the table

2-3 questions mightA be all you have time for.A You want to leave the recruiter you meet with a positive, interested, and qualified mental picture of you! Asking questions shows you’ve done some research on the company and will help set you apart. Here are some questions you can ask a recruiter at a career fair.

6.A Ask when and how toA follow up

Nicely yet assertively ask for a business card so you can follow up after the event. If they recommend you apply online for a certain job, be sure to ask how to follow up and how long you should wait. Having their contact email will make this possible, so be sure to ask for it.

7.A FollowA up, don’tA giveA up!

It’s up to you to stay in touch with the person you meet in case there are future jobs available. They will probably not be able to remember you or reach out to you if there is a new job posted in a couple of months. CompaniesA are not giving away jobs at a career fair.A They are there to meet people and build a pipeline for current or future jobs they have available.

Miscellaneous:

Arrive at the career fair early while the recruiters are fresh. Showing up near the end means they will probably be tired or may have decided to leave early.
Always bring business cards to hand out either to those you meet while waiting in line or to hand to recruiters.A
Turn your cell phone off or at least turn the ringer off and do not answer calls in public.
Always look your best (wear a suit).A
Two words: Breath mints.

One More Thought:

Chris Brogan attends LOTS of conferences.A Here is his post on 27 Things to Do Before a Conference.

Attending a career fair can fill some people with anxiety. Being prepared and knowing what to expect from the event will help you navigate it more successfully.

The post Career Fairs: 7 Best Practices appeared first on Career Sherpa.

Published March 14, 2023

5 Tips For Nailing Your Next Phone Screen

When you have an employer calling and saying they want to schedule a phone interview with you, that means you look good on paper and they now want to see if you are all that you say you are.
The phone screen is a critical stage in the job search process because how well you communicate and perform will pave the way to the big opportunity of a meeting at their office with the decision makers.

In most instances, the phone screen is conducted by someone from HR. They’ll primarily review your professionalism and communication skills to see if you are articulate, knowledgeable, and have the right experience and skills for the job.

The ultimate mission is to screen out candidates so that the ones who are invited for an in-person interview are the best in the bunch. So, here’s how you can ace the phone screen:

1. Watch Your Intonation & Build Rapport

Your intonation and body language account for 90% of the effectiveness of your communications. If you are on the phone with no video, your intonation is all you have so be enthusiastic and try to build rapport as people hire people they like.

At this point in the process, the screener is also looking to clear up any questions or hesitation they may have about you from reviewing your resume. Be aware of anything on your resume that may be a red flag and prepare to respond to it without coming off as defensive.

You want to be honest and address any concerns, but also know how to steer the response to something more positive that brings back the message of “this is what I have to offer that you need.”

2. Dress The Part And Talk The Part

Woman listens during a phone screen

Are you struggling with confidence before your phone screen? Wear your favorite interview outfit. The one you know you look good in. You’ll feel confident and professional.

Also, today’s “phone screens” don’t necessarily mean just voice. Many employers may request a virtual interview, so be prepared to not only talk the part but dress the part too.

How you look and sound leaves an impression, just like it would from an in-person meeting. Express energy and enthusiasm in your tone.

3. Speak Of Accomplishments When Asked About Previous Jobs And Responsibilities

Job seeker on a phone screen

Employers asking about your past experience aren’t looking for a description of your job. If you want to impress, you need to speak of accomplishments and success and how those experiences have prepared you to contribute and bring success to future employers.

Quantify your experience. Do your research and talk to the need that the job posting highlights and then talk about how you’ve been there, done that, and can directly contribute to the employer’s needs.

4. Be Prepared To Handle The Offbeat Question

Woman answers a difficult interview question during a phone screen

Some phone screens have standard questions directed toward your experience and skills, but there are also employers who may put you on the spot with a scenario to see how you react and respond.

The important thing is to not let these types of questions rattle or stump you. Keep a can-do attitude. Make sure you know your experiences, accomplishments, skills, and strengths like the back of your hand. Also, know how you can help the company reach its goals. It’ll be hard to stump you when you’ve done your research.

5. Be Ready To Talk About Salary Requirements

Man aces his phone screen

You will be asked this to see if you are in their salary range. This can be tricky because if you present a number below what the employer has budgeted, you lose any chance of securing a higher salary, one the employer may (or would) have considered. And if you present a number that is too high, the employer may decide to dismiss your application and resume even before you have had the chance to make your case in an interview.

The best way to respond to a question about salary during a phone screen is to say, “Although the job and the challenge are most important to me, you should know that I am considering a salary in the XX to YY range.” If you make it through the interview process to the last round of interviews, you’ll also want to hone your salary negotiation skills.

Each employer will have a different method of screening applicants over the phone. But with these tips, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.