Career fairs can put you in front of a range of potential employers and give you a great opportunity to find your next position. But when it comes to working the room and networking with different company representatives, what’s the best way to approach it all? Here are some tips that will help you stand out and ensure your attendance is a success at your next career fair:
Know where you’re going.
When it comes to a career fair, there are a lot of different employers who attend. Which ones are you most interested in? Don’t try to connect with them all. Otherwise, you’ll have to move at a frantic pace. Instead, do some research ahead of time, so you know who’s attending and which companies you want to connect with most. That way, you can create a game plan beforehand and use your time more wisely.
Be prepared.
Before you go to the job fair, get prepared with everything you need. You should already have a list of the different companies you want to target. In addition to that, make sure you have plenty of resumes to hand out. The last thing you want to happen is to run out halfway during the day. Also, dress professionally and bring along a notebook, so you can jot down any thoughts about the people you meet.
Try to stand out.
There are a lot of candidates that attend career fairs. For the hiring managers and recruiters there, it can be hard to remember all the different people they speak with. That’s why it’s important to try and stand out. For instance, find out one key detail about each company you’re interested in and bring it up during the conversation. By making yourself more memorable, you’ll have a better chance of getting hire.
Network with companies.
Rather than approaching each company at the job fair as an interview, look at it like a networking opportunity. Not only does this make it more of a conversation than an interrogation, but it sets the stage for forging a relationship. So whether it’s an HR representative, a hiring manager or someone else from the company, try to talk to them, get to know them, explain about your background and strengths, and get their contact information.
Follow up in a timely manner.
Once you’ve ended the day, you’ll have a better sense of which companies you’re still interested in working for and which opportunities you want to pursue. Now’s the time to send a thoughtful email to follow up or send an invitation to connect via LinkedIn. Reiterate your strengths and why you’re a good fit for the position.
For more tips on job fair success, read this post. If you’d like professional help connecting with employers and finding your next job, Future Force is here for you. While we’re known as one of the leading temporary hiring agencies in the area, we also can give you access to full-time opportunities, as well.
