BENEFITS OF ATTENDING JOB FAIRS

Many people looking for jobs tend to bypass job fairs. While they can be crowded, confusing and competitive, there are also some benefits to be had by attending a job fair. In order to reap these benefits, do the following:

• Research ahead of time: You want to target employers with the most potential at a job fair. So you’ll have to find out what employers are going to be at which job fairs and what they offer. These can be found through promotional material released prior to the job fair as well as online.

• Take plenty of résumés with you: A good number is 25 copies and even more if it’s a large job fair.

• Be ready to complete applications: Lots of companies require an application over a résumé. So even if you offer your résumé, they may still require that you complete an application to go with it. Take a pen and a list of information that the application will require. It’s better to complete them on the spot rather than take them with you to return later.

• Dress to impress: Since first impressions matter, you need to dress appropriately. You don’t have to dress formally, but too casual doesn’t work, either. Behave professionally, show enthusiasm, and don’t forget to smile.

• Be early: Get a map of the booths and locations. Then start on your route. Getting there early lets you get in and out before the real crowds hit. Find your target companies first and then look around some more.

• Use Quality over Quantity: It’s better to spend some quality time speaking with a just a few promising employers that need your skills than to leave your résumé everywhere.

• Be ready to interview: Many companies will conduct short interviews on the spot at job fairs.

• Keep up with where you leave your résumés: Gather business cards and keep up with what companies you applied with.

• Send out thank you notes: It’s good to do this within 24 to 48 hours to the company representatives that you talked with. Mention that you appreciate the time they took to speak with you.

• Follow up: You need to check the status of your application with the companies you applied to.

• If you do all of these things regarding job fairs, you’ll get a lot of help from them in finding a job.