How to get a job in a job fair

The job fairs also known as career fairs or career exhibitions, are normally held in large tents, exhibition halls, or convention centers by employers in a specific industry or sometimes from several industries. The job applicants can visit these events for free to gather information on possible employment opportunities. The employers use job fairs to recruit new employees and even though they pay a considerable amount to have a stand at one of the events, they save a lot on recruitment fees. The managers normally take turns to be at the stand to answer questions. Some larger companies may even go as far as sponsoring career exhibitions. These events are often scheduled over weekends and may last from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening.

Should you attend job fairs?
These events are the perfects places to meet potential employers, ask all the questions you want, complete application forms with assistance, get an overview of occupations and employment opportunities, and build a network of contacts. You should definitely attend the career exhibitions.

A lager number of recruiters screen hundreds of candidates for future openings and even though you may not get a job immediately, you may get called for an interview at a later stage. You are no longer a cold caller or just another number. The recruiter speaks to you in person and it is the ideal place to demonstrate your excellent communication skills.

It is the perfect employment hunting place for the young graduate or school leaver since many of the openings are at entry level. You can learn more about the employers than you would by browsing the Internet and some of the employers also conduct the second interviews right there at the career exhibitions.

How to prepare

Decide why you want to attend a specific career exhibition and then prepare. If you only want to get a broad overview of what jobs are available and what benefits are offered, then you most probably don't need to prepare a resume. If however you would like to build a network of contacts, gain employment, and make a good impression, then use the following guidelines for success at job fairs:

• Register before you attend. You should be able to find more information on the process at the website of the sponsor. Some of the employers accept resumes with the registration. The employers will already have your background and if you don't get a chance at the career exhibition to give your resume to the recruiter, then at least you have already done so with the registration.
• Make a list of the employers who will be at the career exhibition. You can find information about the attendees at career exhibitions by visiting the relevant websites. The contact persons and the stand or stall numbers are usually listed. Get as much background information on each employer that interest you and their requirements as you can.
• Target specific employers and build your resume for the advertised positions. Your resume should reflect how you can make a contribution to the specific goals of the company.
• Get a lay-out plan of the center to make it easy to find your way around the many stalls.
• Create an outline of what you want to say to the recruiters. This should include a short introduction and your background. Provide a short list of your qualifications, expectations, experience and major achievements that are related to the targeted positions and companies. Practice your conversations.
• Decide on what you are going to wear. Make sure your clothes are neat and professional.
• Prepare several resumes and make copies. Also make copies of your qualifications, identification documents, driver's license, and letters of recommendation. You will need a minimum of two resumes for every targeted employer at the job fairs. The resume should be no longer than two to three pages. It must be easy to read and professional with correct spelling and formatting. Keep large margins so that the recruiter can make notes.
• Pack several pens and a notepad.

What to do when you get there

• Remember that the attendance number at career exhibitions is high. You should try to get there early to meet potential employers and to get acquainted with the floor plan.
• Use the name tags that are provided.
• Talk to the other job seekers to find possible leads.
• See the events as interview opportunities. Act professional, friendly, courteous and provide firm handshakes. Listen attentively and keep eye contact.
• Prepare to answer questions about your interests, reasons for applications, objectives and skills.
• List the questions you heard at the job fairs for future interviews.
• Always accept and request the business cards of the recruiters. Use these cards to follow-up after closure of the job fairs.
• Don't snatch gifts.
• Submit your resume to the relevant companies.
• When the event is over you should send thank you notes to the recruiters and where applicable include your resume.