Finding a job has never been an easy thing for some people. With the recent developments in the worldwide economy, finding jobs have become more difficult than usual. Today, while a university degree may give someone the edge, by no means does this make it certain that he will get a job because of it.
Fortunately for us, things seem to be taking a turn for the better. More job opportunities are coming up, and job fairs are being held left and right. Job fairs are arguably the best places to go to in order to get that job you’ve been yearning for. While anyone would be able to walk into a job fair and try to apply for a job, there are things that you can do to increase your chances. After all, countless other people will be there with you, looking for the same thing. Take a look at some of the most useful things you can do to prepare for success at a job fair.
1. DO have a strategy.
Yes, you can simply walk in and see what you can pick up at a job fair. However, if you are serious about getting a job – and not just any job, but the job that you actually want – then you need to have a plan. You need to know what you are going to do when you get there. There are going to be a host of companies and businesses out there, so you should really plan out a strategy. What kinds of jobs are you looking for? What companies interest you? Save yourself some time and don’t even visit the booths of companies that you know you will not suit you at all.
2. DO have an open mind.
Here’s a counterpoint to the first tip: while you ought to discount companies that really do not hold any potential for you. However, you also have to keep an open mind. When going through the process of elimination, you ought to take a closer look at the companies that you think might be suitable for you, but might be looking for positions outside of your range. It doesn’t matter if they are looking for people for other positions, it still is worth paying them a visit and taking a look at what they might have to offer. You never know what might come out of it. Networking ring a bell? If you get to form some contacts within the company, you might be able to reap some advantages in the future.
3. DO bring more copies of your resume than you would like.
Your resume or CV sums up your qualifications. I do not have to emphasize how important your resume is. When you’ve made sure that you have the best write up you can possibly have, make sure that you bring more copies of it than you initially plan. You never really know just how many you will need, and it is always better to safe than sorry.
4. DO have an ‘elevator pitch’ ready.
Well, an elevator pitch of sorts. If you’re CV is a written summary of your qualifications, your elevator pitch can help you get the attention of the hiring officers present in the job fair. Sure, they will take a look at the CV, but even a short conversation with hiring officers can give them more insight about you. When making your pitch, touch on other relevant aspects that may not be included in your CV.
5. DO be ready to talk about yourself.
Some of us are not born people persons. That’s a given. Still, even if you do not like talking to strangers, you have to be ready to share a little bit about yourself. This tip actually ties in closely with the previous one. You need to be able to show the hiring officers your potential in ways that your CV may not be able to do.
6. DO be friendly and engage in conversation.
Again, people person or not, you have to somehow lighten up a bit. You need to be able to carry on a decent conversation with people who matter. These include the hiring officers as well as any other people you might meet at the job fair. After all, you never really know who you might meet there. We go back to the idea of networking. Think about it as an investment. You never know about the contacts that you might meet; contacts that can prove to be useful in the future.
7. DO be confident.
Confidence is something that comes naturally to some people, but it is also something that you can work on. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced employee, you will need confidence to get your message across. Sometimes, all it takes for other people to notice is for you to exude that aura of confidence.
8. DO dress up for the event.
Yeah, some highly successful people look like slobs, but while you haven’t reached that level yet, do try to look your best. I am not saying that you should go out there in a suit, but you also ought to know better than walking into a job fair wearing shorts and sandals. Looking good will also give you that confidence boost!
9. DO ask questions.
You’re there to get a job, but do not forget that you also have to ask questions. The recruiters will definitely ask you questions, but for sure, you will also want to know some answers. More than just thinking of the answers to your questions, also consider that recruiters are looking for people who think. Asking questions is a good indication that you are a thinking being, and that you don’t simply swallow what is fed to you. Any smart recruiter will take that as a positive thing.
10. DO follow up after the job fair.
Once you’ve spent your day at the job fair, you may or you may not have found a job. However, things do not happen that fast, most of the time. The chances are that you’ll have to wait for most of your leads to get in touch with you after the job fair is over. Instead of sitting down and waiting for someone to call you , though, you ought to take on a proactive approach instead. You could call the recruiters and leave a thank you message, or you may opt to send them a brief thank you note at the least.