Thursday, June 4, 2009

How to Work A Career Fair


Guess what? It's that time of year again for the hustle and bustle of new graduates looking to enter the work force! A great way to get your name out there is by attending as many career fair events as possible. Sure, it can be a little intimidating at first, but once you approach the first few employers and inquire about their openings, it will become much easier as you move onward to the nextemployer!


Below are some great tips to help you "Work a Career Fair." If you have any questions or suggestions that have helped you in career fairs, feel free to post your comments.


1. Prior to the job fair find out which companies will be present and do research on them BEFORE you meet with them. This way you will have some facts and knowledge on the employer’s ahead of time. This will not only give you something to talk about with the recruiter of the company, but they will also be impressed by your “extra efforts.”


2. Come professionally dressed, as if you are going on a formal interview.


3. Bring several copies of your résumé with you (on résumé paper). Bring about 20-25 copies.


4. When you first arrive to the job fair, walk around and identify which companies interest you before you spend time talking with them.


5. Go talk to the companies with the least amount of people around them. This way you can spend valuable time with them before they get a crowd of people. Spend about 10 minutes or so with them, and then move on to the next employer. Talk to them about their company and what positions they are hiring. Try to be impressionable, so they will remember you! IF you are nervous, you can warm up with companies you are least interested in. This way you will be prepared for the employers you really like!


6. Be enthusiastic, friendly, give a firm handshake, and don’t forget to SMILE!!!

7. Pass out your résumé!


8. ALWAYS take their business card. If you need to, write on the back of the business card what positions are open with that company or what you discussed with the recruiter of that particular company.


9. Follow up with the companies you are interested in, about a week after the job fair. (This is where the business card comes into play). You can send them a quick e-mail or give them a call. Remind them of what you talked about and that you passed them your résumé. Ask them, “Would you like me to e-mail you my cover letter and résumé?"


10. Remember your goal here is to "stand out in the crowd". You want to make an impression, so that the company will remember you. In a sense, you want to be in "their face." Not in an annoying way, but in a way where they can see that you REALLY want to work for them! This is your time to SHINE!

See this Video Clip for 3 Quick Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSuakvy1X0o

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