Match, Meet, and Mesmerize at a Job Fair

Considering another trip through the Career Maze?

During the job search it is easy to feel like you are playing a losing game without a clear understanding of the rules.

Here are a few suggestions for navigating a job fair.
Follow these tips to gain a competitive edge. -

Get the jump on your competition -

• Review the list of participating companies and determine which companies interest you the most. Pick several.
• Collect information about them and do your research BEFORE you get to the job fair. Check out their websites; look for information about them on the internet.
• Match your skills to the company’s needs and job requirements.
• Practice your 15 second introduction. Be sure to include your name, your key skills, and what you can do for their company.
• Review your accomplishments and be ready to talk about them.
  

   

  Knock Their Socks Off

  • Approach the job fair as you would a job interview.
  • Dress appropriately and avoid perfume or cologne.
  • Bring plenty of clean, error-free résumés on good quality paper.
  • Know what you are looking for. Be able to explain what you can do and what kind of position you want. Remember that it is not their job to figure out what is the right job for you.
  • Relate what you know about the company and their products or services.
  • Tie your skills and experience to what they need. If you have checked out their website, let them know.
  • Enjoy the process; be positive and ready to talk about yourself.
  • Smile, shake hands and introduce yourself.
  • Ask questions that demonstrate your interest.
  • Ask for the interviewer’s business card so you can follow up later. Make notes on the back, so later you can remember what you discussed.

   

  Don’t Sabotage Your Chances For Success

  • Don’t bring your kids.
  • Don’t try to baffle the recruiter with smooth talk.
  • Don’t bring up your past history with the company or their recruiters.
  • Don’t grab a handful of freebies. It is okay to take one.        

   

  Essential and Yet Not So Obvious  

  • Visit the not smaller, seemingly less successful employers. You could easily miss a dynamic, little known company that is a perfect match.
  • Talk to other job seekers. Exchange information about possible employers. Don’t miss out on this hot source of possible opportunities.

   

  Continue the Conversation

  • Sort through the company business cards you collected. Prioritize them for follow up.
  • Contact recruiters and hiring managers by telephone.  After small job fairs, follow up within 3 days. After large job fairs, follow up within 5 days. Remind them of who you are, when you met, and what job or position you discussed.
  • Express interest in meeting with them and offer to send them another copy of your résumé if they can’t locate yours immediately.
  • Follow up, follow up, and follow up yet again.

   Ready to take your job search to the next level? Learn how you can benefit from personalized career coaching. Contact Mary Jeanne at  831.657.9151 or mjv@careercoachmjv.com. Don’t wait another day!

   

  © 2004 Mary Jeanne Vincent/ CareerCoachMJV.  All rights reserved.

   

  Hi I'm Mary Jeanne Vincent, Career Expert and Strategist. I have a private career coaching. I help people just like you reframe their background, rediscover their expertise and reclaim their career to make smart and rewarding career choices.

  If you found this article valuable, imagine how much I can personally help you with your job search, career transition, or career success strategy by offering ideas, coaching, and advice for your unique situation. Contact me at 831.657.9151 or mjv@careercoachmjv.com today to find out how I can personally help you succeed during this time of uncertainty. Get the guidance, support, and tools you need to successfully jump back into the job market.

  - Get clear about your areas of expertise

  - Gain clarity about your on-the-job contributions

  - Confidently present your value to potential employers

  - Develop an accomplishment-based résumé that effectively sells YOU!

  - Demonstrate your value an Expert rather than simply a job seeker

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