Maximizing Your Career/Job Fair Experience
By Carol Gee
You’ve heard that another career/job fair is coming to your area. Again, according to the news, several companies will be hiring on the spot. The upside – a number of organizations and industries under one roof. The downside – only a handful of these companies and industries normally have the middle-management positions which you are seeking. Having attended several career fairs in the past, you know that there will be hundreds of applicants. You envision
the long lines, and frankly wonder if it is really worth the effort to attend.
Things to do before you go
While attending career or job fairs can be daunting, there are several things that job seekers can do to help them to stand out from the crowd. Update your resume and print out multiple copies. Determine, if possible, what companies will be represented, and do some research. For example, visit their websites and read their annual reports. Then visit your targeted companies first. If possible, visit other industries in which you have an interest.
Think of a career or job fair as a way to market yourself. Ask questions and participate in discussions with the recruiters the same way that you would any interview. Consider the few minutes that you spend with each company representative a brief way to make a lasting impression. Lastly, make a note of the names and credentials of everyone you speak with for thank you notes or follow-up.
Alas, the next three areas should be no-brainers, but I am going to comment on them anyway. Job fairs are no places for children or friends, unless friends are also job hunting. Hire a baby sitter or arrange for a friend or relative to watch your children. Dress professionally. In other words, consider a career fair interview the same way that you would any other. After all, this is what a career or job fair is. Sadly, one of the mistakes many attendees make when attending a career or job fair is dressing like they are running errands. First impressions really do make a difference. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you are serious about securing a position.
Be mindful of your cell phone etiquette while in waiting in line and during the interview. Nothing is more irritating to a potential employer than having candidates’ phones ringing or vibrating when they trying to talk to you about job opportunities. Don’t leave them wondering if you’ll be someone who’ll constantly be talking on your phone instead of working once you are offered the position. Is any call more important than what you are doing at that moment: trying to find a job?
After the career fair
Immediately after the career or job fair send thank you notes to everyone you spoke with. Doing it immediately allows you to mention something significant from your conversation before you forget. Should you send a thank you card or an e-mail? Check with friends who are employed to see what is acceptable. If you are a recent graduate you can check with the career center at your college as well. Invited to apply to a particular position after your visit? If so, apply immediately.
Pay close attention to all application directives, like submitting your resume as a PDF or providing complete information on all references. If transcripts need to be official (meaning sent directly from all colleges or universities that you attended) be sure to have the transcripts sent directly to the company. Not following all directions could cause you to miss out on a wonderful position.
A career or job fair is simply another step on what is frequently a long road to job success. It is very important that you put the same effort in it as you do all other job search mechanisms. Instead of considering it another waste of time spent in long lines with a lot of others, make it work in your favor by doing all that you can to stand out from the crowd. While you may not get hired that day, chances are one or more of the recruiters will remember you when a management position comes open. It happened to me, it can happen to you.
About the Author: Carol Gee, M.A. has worked in education for 26 years in positions ranging from teaching to administration. Currently she is an editor and business writer at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. She is also the author of books, The Venus Chronicles and Diary of a ‘Flygirl’ Wannabe (Life Lessons of a Cool Girl in Training,) and a contributor to the baby boomer book, Age Smart-Discovering the Fountain of Youth at Midlife and Beyond. Carol is a recipient of the Center for Women’s 2009 Unsung Heroine Award for recognition of her dedication to issues that affect women at Emory or in the larger community.
www.venuschronicles.net
venuschronicles@aol.com
You’ve heard that another career/job fair is coming to your area. Again, according to the news, several companies will be hiring on the spot. The upside – a number of organizations and industries under one roof. The downside – only a handful of these companies and industries normally have the middle-management positions which you are seeking. Having attended several career fairs in the past, you know that there will be hundreds of applicants. You envision
the long lines, and frankly wonder if it is really worth the effort to attend.
Things to do before you go
While attending career or job fairs can be daunting, there are several things that job seekers can do to help them to stand out from the crowd. Update your resume and print out multiple copies. Determine, if possible, what companies will be represented, and do some research. For example, visit their websites and read their annual reports. Then visit your targeted companies first. If possible, visit other industries in which you have an interest.
Think of a career or job fair as a way to market yourself. Ask questions and participate in discussions with the recruiters the same way that you would any interview. Consider the few minutes that you spend with each company representative a brief way to make a lasting impression. Lastly, make a note of the names and credentials of everyone you speak with for thank you notes or follow-up.
Alas, the next three areas should be no-brainers, but I am going to comment on them anyway. Job fairs are no places for children or friends, unless friends are also job hunting. Hire a baby sitter or arrange for a friend or relative to watch your children. Dress professionally. In other words, consider a career fair interview the same way that you would any other. After all, this is what a career or job fair is. Sadly, one of the mistakes many attendees make when attending a career or job fair is dressing like they are running errands. First impressions really do make a difference. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you are serious about securing a position.
Be mindful of your cell phone etiquette while in waiting in line and during the interview. Nothing is more irritating to a potential employer than having candidates’ phones ringing or vibrating when they trying to talk to you about job opportunities. Don’t leave them wondering if you’ll be someone who’ll constantly be talking on your phone instead of working once you are offered the position. Is any call more important than what you are doing at that moment: trying to find a job?
After the career fair
Immediately after the career or job fair send thank you notes to everyone you spoke with. Doing it immediately allows you to mention something significant from your conversation before you forget. Should you send a thank you card or an e-mail? Check with friends who are employed to see what is acceptable. If you are a recent graduate you can check with the career center at your college as well. Invited to apply to a particular position after your visit? If so, apply immediately.
Pay close attention to all application directives, like submitting your resume as a PDF or providing complete information on all references. If transcripts need to be official (meaning sent directly from all colleges or universities that you attended) be sure to have the transcripts sent directly to the company. Not following all directions could cause you to miss out on a wonderful position.
A career or job fair is simply another step on what is frequently a long road to job success. It is very important that you put the same effort in it as you do all other job search mechanisms. Instead of considering it another waste of time spent in long lines with a lot of others, make it work in your favor by doing all that you can to stand out from the crowd. While you may not get hired that day, chances are one or more of the recruiters will remember you when a management position comes open. It happened to me, it can happen to you.
About the Author: Carol Gee, M.A. has worked in education for 26 years in positions ranging from teaching to administration. Currently she is an editor and business writer at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. She is also the author of books, The Venus Chronicles and Diary of a ‘Flygirl’ Wannabe (Life Lessons of a Cool Girl in Training,) and a contributor to the baby boomer book, Age Smart-Discovering the Fountain of Youth at Midlife and Beyond. Carol is a recipient of the Center for Women’s 2009 Unsung Heroine Award for recognition of her dedication to issues that affect women at Emory or in the larger community.
www.venuschronicles.net
venuschronicles@aol.com
