A major part of job search is getting yourself out there. What better way than to attend a career fair? 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 are going to go, do some serious preparation. In order to make the most of […]
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Most job fairs run between January and May. When spring rolls around, things usually ramp up because most employers want job openings filled before summer kicks off.
If you are among the job seekers attending job fairs, then take down these tips to prepare for it and make the most of your time there.
Many employers have a presence at job fairs to increase brand awareness, but also to save time in the screening process. Job fairs offer an opportunity for employers to conduct initial screenings of potential candidates on the spot. Due to COVID-19, virtual job fairs have become more popular and allow employers and job seekers to meet safely, going around geographical barriers.
Employers have an idea of what they are looking for in a candidate for each job opening, so anyone who appears to make the cut can be interviewed to advance the process along right then and there.
Job seekers who come prepared will strike up opportunities quickly, so here are five things you MUST do before attending a job fair.
There can be hundreds of companies to talk to at each job fair, but that doesn't mean you'll have the time to reach out to all of them. Research ahead of time which ones you want to approach so you make the most of your time there. (You should always have your interview bucket list readyâa list of the companies you would love to work for someday!)
When you know your targets, you can also start to customize your materials. It'll help to look at the company's website so you see what job openings they have and the requirements/job descriptions for each position.
This information can help you tailor your resume and what you communicate when you meet with the individuals at the job fair. It'll also help you write your disruptive cover letter when you formally submit your job application.
Job fairs are great for networkingâit's not simply about dropping off your resume. You want to start conversations with the right contacts.
If there is an employer you desire to work for, but they're not recruiting for the job you want, it's still important to go over and talk to them. You never know when the position may suddenly open up.
The contacts there may also direct you to information in regards to who's leading the department you want to work in so that you can follow up with that individual directly. It's all about connections!
The key to connecting with others is to engage in conversation. Ask insightful questions! Be someone they will remember at the end of the day or use it as an opportunity to open the door to more conversation.
Employers are looking to hear what you can do for them, so come prepared with a quick pitch on your skills and experience, as well as how it can help solve their problems.
Your elevator pitch is essentially your personal branding statement. It's important to know what you bring to the table as a business-of-one. If you can clearly explain how you'll add value to the company at the job fair, you'll stand out in a sea of other potential job candidates.
On-the-spot interviews happen at job fairs, so dress the part and be ready with copies of your resume in hand. As you introduce yourself, be mindful of your body language, including your handshake, eye contact, facial expressions, and voice.
Employers take notice of job candidates who smile and exhibit enthusiasm. They want to see a candidate with a strong desire to work with them, not someone who's simply swinging by randomly. Some may also screen your interest level by asking common interview questions like "What do you know about us?" and "Why do you want to work for us?" So, be prepared!
Like a job interview, you should plan to send a follow-up note to the contacts you meet. It's a chance to help keep you top of mind and it gives you an opportunity to reiterate why you have what they are looking for. You should also send a connection request on LinkedIn for the same reasons.
Before ending each conversation, be sure to collect business cards from the people you speak with and take good notes so you know how to best personalize the follow-up note.
Approached the right way, job fairs can open many conversations and doors to job opportunities. If you do these five things, you'll be well-prepared for any job fairâand you'll definitely stand out from the competition!
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Are you in the process of searching for a new job but can't seem to get the callbacks you want? You could be making some big job search mistakes.
Don't worry, though! We can help you identify what you're doing wrong in your job search, and teach you how to fix it. Here are seven common mistakes job seekers make:
If you're sending out resumes without knowing what your ideal job is, you're wasting your valuable time. So, before shipping off another application, be sure to sit down and define what type of job you're looking for. Try to make an interview bucket list. This way, you'll have a more focused search and can create a customized resume to match.
Do you have bad interviewing habits? In other words, do you assume you're on a first-name basis with interviewers? Or do you slouch in your seat? If so, be sure to learn about appropriate body language and ways to address interviews so that you can always come across as a confident candidate with plenty to offer.
Many interviewees get stuck with the question, "Why did you leave your previous employer?" While you may want to say that your previous boss was a jerk, this is not the time or place to mention it. So, if you're asked this question, just say you are looking for new opportunities that align with your career goals.
While job fairs may feel like impersonal functions for individuals who are desperate for work, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, some great networking opportunities can be found at job fairs, not just with company representatives but with other job fair attendees.
When interviewing, company representatives are watching your every move, including how you're dressed. If your attire is too casual, sexy, or plain outrageous, your amazing resume or interviewing skills may do little to get you hired.
Another mistake to avoid is not following up with an employer after your interview. To make sure you remain on the employer's mind, send a follow-up email of about three or four paragraphs that summarizes your skills, reiterates your eagerness to be hired, and thanks the entire staff for their time.
Although your professional history may be so amazing that you want to share every piece of it, it's important that you avoid creating a resume that stretches out too long. By focusing on related positions and highlighting the top moments in your career, you can easily reduce your resume to two or three pages.
As you can see, there are a lot of ways to make mistakes when conducting your job search. The good news is that these mistakes are avoidable if you are aware of them. By following the tips above, you'll find job search success in no time!
Need more help with your job search?
We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
