Arrive at the job fair well-dressed and prepared.
A job fair offers individuals seeking employment the opportunity to make contact with a multitude of prospective employers in a "one-stop-shopping" venue. When attending this type of event, you should come prepared so that you can make a positive impact on the recruiters and hopefully land one or more job interviews.
Making a Game Plan
As soon as you arrive at the job fair, you need to make a plan. A quick stroll through the building to locate employers that you are most interested in seeing will prove a time saver. You can mentally map their locations and decide which one you will visit in which order. You can make things easier if you visit one or two employers that you are less interested in first to test out your interviewing skills and become more relaxed and confident.
InterviewingTips
This is your time to shine. When you meet a prospective employer, it's important that you leave a positive impression with him as you leave your resume. For instance, make direct eye contact, smile, shake his hand. It's important to strive to maintain a friendly, but professional demeanor throughout your conversation with him. As you spend time with different recruiters, you should stay mentally focused. Make sure to treat each conversation you have with a prospective employer as you would an interview. Try to answer all questions to the best of your ability, and ask some questions in return to show your interest in the company -- such as what type of positions are available for someone with your background and skills. Don't forget to ask the recruiter for her business card and thank her for her time before you leave.
Taking Notes
Take the time to make a few notes after you meet with each employer. You can jot down the employer's name and a few key phrases that will help you remember your conversation with the recruiter. When meeting new people and having different conversations, it's common to become confused. If you take some notes, you can review them right after the fair and solidify the facts in your memory.
Keeping an Open Mind
If you have extra time to meet with recruiters other than the ones you are most interested in, you can open yourself up to other possibilities. For instance, if a hospital has a booth, it may have more than just have medical positions. It may offer accounting or public relations positions that align with your career goals. It's important to keep an open mind so that you won't miss out on any possible opportunities.
Organizing
Recruiters will give you brochures, business cards and other information. You should take a moment to place each item in a special place in your briefcase or organizer so that you can easily find it later without having to sort through it. A few moments spent each time you receive something can make a considerable difference later.
Tags: conversation with, employers that, meet with, most interested, prospective employer
