How to Get the Most out of Career Fairs

I have been to a million career fairs – oh, okay, maybe not a million. But after 20 years, it can feel like a million. I have attended corporate job fairs, college fairs, technical fairs, and many more, as an exhibitor, a speaker or seminar leader, a resume reviewer, and an attendee.  I can tell you from experience that standing behind a booth – outside in the sun – in pantyhose and high heels, is a special kind of hell...and I often wonder what I did in a past life to deserve that! 

Yet, I have a special place in my heart for career or job fairs. For anyone who has been to a career/job fair, you know that it has its own heartbeat, its own special kind of “rhythm” existing outside of time and space. This is place where you're encouraged to hand your resume out like Pez, ask blunt questions to the recruiters, like “so, are you really hiring and what's the pay?” You wait in long lines forever to talk to a recruiter only to find out that line is for an application to the post office! 

 

Should your career plans lean toward going back to school, you will have abundant opportunities to discuss it with any number of colleges, trade schools and online universities.  And if you're not to old and have good knees, you can check out the military!  For the really adventurous, you can wander over to the MLM booths and take your chances on selling make-up or vitamins.

Don't get me wrong – I think that these are all good ideas and opportunities. America has new job market and it's important to find your niche. Maybe you will go back to school or try your hand at entrepreneurship. But to get the most out of a career or job fair, you need a PLAN!  Otherwise, you may end up watching Oprah or a European soccer match in the hotel lobby bar! (Trust me on that one.)

Before the Career Fair

Spend some time on the Career/Job Fair website 
Learn who the exhibitors/attending companies are. The hosting career fair will usually list the companies that will be recruiting, with links to the company's websites. Be sure check out open positions, and then “adjust” your resume specifically for each company.

Get organized

Draft up a plan. Include stopping by company booths you want to apply for. Plan some time for standing on line (expect LOTS of job seekers), and have your “pitch” ready to go, so practice what you are going to say or ask. Get a business card from the person you speak with. Get permission to follow up later with a phone call. 

If you are researching colleges – be ready to speak with admission recruiters (aka as salespeople). It is a great place to gather information about a number of educational possibilities, and then contact them at another time to follow up.

If you are interested alternative employment opportunities, such as independent contracting, multi-level marketing or franchising, be sure to gear your “pitch” and resume(s) to match the opportunity. 

Pre-register or sign up for Seminars, Resume Reviews and Workshops 

If the career fair is offering any type of seminars, workshops, or resume critiques, sign up in advance if required. If the career fair host is offering the ability to sign up as a job seeker, and submit your resume prior to the fair, do so. 

Goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway!) 

Have your interview suit cleaned and get your hair cut, nails done, teeth cleaned; and get cash from the ATM. Put gas in your car the day before (no chance of spilled gas on your clothes!), or plan your route on public transport. 

Get your resumes organized by companies you want to apply to, and have plenty of business cards with you. Update your Linked In, Twitter and Facebook; you need to beat the competition! 

Day of the Career Fair 

Arrive early 

Being early, I often get a cup of coffee at the hotel/venue restaurant, and sometimes meet vendors (company recruiters) doing the same. Also, you have a moment to collect your thoughts before the crowds get there. 

Follow your plan 

You have spent time putting your plan together, so follow it as much as possible. Get business cards from the people you want to network and follow up with. If one company looks like you'll never get to the front of the line, grab some business cards from the booth and contact them at a later date. 

Meet people! 

Talk to the recruiters and people in the booths - make contact! (which means maybe squeezing your way to the front). Use your "pitch", get your resume into their hands, fill out applications, and book an interview if you can. One of the best things about a career fair is that it's packed with people and since you are a job seeker, one major goal should be constantly expanding your network. Make connections....that is one of the best outcomes of a career/job fair.

Also, since you are already there, drop a resume off at the hotel HR office where the career fair is being held – if that interests you.

After the Career Fair 

The most important thing to do now is follow up with everyone you met. Send an email or make a phone call. Be sure to contact anyone that has a copy of your resume.

Career and job fairs are really what you make them. If you plan for a productive day, you will have a productive day. Who knows – you may even get a job!!!

About the Author: Kristi Enigl is a Career & Job Search Consultant, and will present Hard Target Job Searching - 5 Strategies to Get the Job! October 13, 2010 at Working World Career Fair. For location and more details, go here.

Visit Kristi at http://www.kristienigl.com for more career advice and tips.