Going to job fairs can seem overwhelming. There are so many South Florida employers – and so many potential opportunities, where do you begin? Plus how can you leave a lasting impression on an employer who’s seeing hundreds of job seekers in one day? Here are some tips to help you improve your performance – and hopefully land that South Florida job you’ve been searching for.
1. Do some research.
Some job fair websites allow you to research job openings ahead of time. So target those employers and positions that you’re most interested in and most qualified for. If you can’t look for jobs online, then at least review the list of employers attending and focus on those you’d most like to work for. Check out the “About Us” or “Careers” sections of their websites and try to get a better understanding of who they are, what they do, and what their work environment is like.
2. Create a plan.
Once you know which companies you’re most interested in, find out where they are located within the job fair in order to maximize your time at the event. Then create a plan of which company you’d like to visit first, second, etc. You may want to interview with your top choices early in the day, when you’re at your freshest, then stop by at the end of the day to thank them for their time and to make a second positive impression.
3. Think about what you’re going to say.
Unlike a job interview that can take 30-60 minutes, you really only have a minute or two to sell yourself to the potential employers. So be prepared to explain what you bring to the table in a short amount of time. They key here is demonstrating why the employer should hire you, over your competition. So highlight any important accomplishments or special skills you have.
4. Bring plenty of resumes.
Depending on the size of the event, you may want to bring anywhere from 25 to 50 resumes. It’s better to have too many than not enough.
5. Keep track of your progress – and follow up.
Bring a notebook and keep track of the employers you submitted your resume to. Also, ask for a business card from each employer you speak with and jot down notes after your conversation with them. Then follow up with a thank you letter in the next day or two after the job fair.
And if you need some help finding a job in South Florida, please contact Future Force. Since 1992, we’ve helped thousands of job seekers find rewarding career opportunities with great companies throughout the area.