If you are searching for your next professional opportunity, you are in luck! It is time for 2020 job fairs! Organizations across the nation are gearing up for these events. How can you make your time at job fairs as fruitful as possible? Proper preparation! I’ve been on the organizing end of job fairs, and it is immediately evident to me which candidates have prepared ahead of time! Here are tips for success at 2020 job fairs.
Before: Tips for 2020 Job Fairs
That’s right, the candidates who find the most success at job fairs are the ones who prepare before the event. Here are the five main steps you should take that relate to your success preparing for the career fair:
1. Research the companies you’d like to speak to
Most job fair organizers post a list of the employers that will be in attendance at the event on their website weeks (sometimes even a few months) in advance. Get online and make a list of the companies you are most interested in speaking with at the event. I recommend choosing about five to target during your time at the career fair.
Once you have your list, research those companies. Read their website and blog if they have one. Next, familiarize yourself with their mission, products, and services. Knowing this information will help you make a great first impression and spend your time covering more important topics in the conversation. If you are hoping to secure a summer internship or your first full-time job, be sure to make special notes of any opportunities listed on company websites.
2. Write a list of questions and topics
As you are researching, write a few questions or topics you’d like to discuss with each of the companies on your list. Doing this will help you make a great impression and also help you avoid awkward lulls in conversation that can happen when networking at 2020 job fairs.
3. Apply for any internships or positions ahead of time
If a company is offering an internship or job that you are interested in, submit your application before the job fair. Then, you can use the conversation at the event to mention that you have applied online in hopes that the representative you speak with might pass along your resume or name to the hiring manager. It is appropriate to ask if you can leave a resume with the representative but avoid asking for a “good word” unless you have an existing relationship with the person you are speaking with. Let your impression and demeanor speak for itself. If you haven’t written or updated your resume, get help with it prior to the career fair!
4. Prepare an elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a professional introduction. It is usually 30-60 seconds in length and gives a brief overview of who you are, what you have done (experience), what you are studying (education), and where you are heading (a professional goal). Remember, don’t memorize it word for word but rehearse it a few times so you can introduce yourself comfortably and confidently.
Day of the Event: Tips for 2020 Job Fairs
You’ve done the prep work and the day has come! Here are some day-of tips for career fairs:
5. Take a professional folder with paper and resumes
You’ll need a place to store your research notes and the questions you prepared prior to the job fair. I suggest a professional, black portfolio with paper inside and a place to store business cards (see number nine below). You’ll also want to have ample copies of your resume, printed on nice resume paper, in the event you have the opportunity to present one to an employer.
6. Make a name tag
Next, be sure to stop at the registration desk and make a name tag. Write legibly! It goes on the left side of your chest (over your heart), so it is easily visible when you reach out and offer a firm, confident handshake. Why is this important? Because there are many people out there, I am one of them, who are terrible with names. Employers will talk to many students throughout the day. They will appreciate being able to glance down at your name tag for a quick reminder of your name. Plus, the more times they see your name, the more likely it is to stick!
7. Collect a business card at the end of the conversation
This is an important step! Always be building your network. I suggest collecting a business card from every person you talk to (if possible). In between your conversations, take a moment to pause and take a deep breath. Then, write a brief note on the back of the business card. This will remind you of where you met the person and one significant point from your conversation. If someone you speak with is out of cards or doesn’t have one, ask if you may take their email address or connect with them on LinkedIn.
After the Event: Tips for 2020 Job Fairs
Your work doesn’t when you leave the event! Don’t miss the final and very important step of attending a job fair.
8. Send a thank you, follow-up card/email
Finally, there is one very important step that I bet 95 percent of your peers won’t do. A follow-up/thank you card is another way to set yourself apart! One to two days after the event, send either a hand-written thank you note or email to each person you spoke with. Thank them for their time and perspective. This is where those business cards with the notes on the back come in handy! Personalize the thank you message with the one significant point from the conversation. This will help them recall who you are, remember that they potentially spoke with hundreds of students, and ensure you make a lasting impression.
Phew. That’s a lot more than just showing up to the career fair for an hour and walking around chatting with representatives, isn’t it? Yes, it definitely is. However, if you take the time to follow these tips for career fairs, I know you’ll make a great impression on the companies at the event and feel confident in your networking abilities. Remember, no time spent networking is ever wasted! Best of luck! If you follow these tips for job fairs, you’re sure to make an excellent impression!
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