Learn How To Succeed At Career Fairs
This career article will give you some great tips on successfully navigating thru career fairs.
This issue will quickly cover the following:
A) Purpose of Career Fairs
B) How To Best Prepare
C) Tips & Strategies During The Fair
D) Career Fair Follow-Up
A) PURPOSE OF CAREER FAIRS
Career fairs are designed to provide job seekers a way to explore career opportunities within a variety of companies at one location.
Job seekers should take advantage of these fairs to be better informed about the job market. Career fairs must be a part of your overall job search process. It's a great way to learn about job openings, research companies and practice your interviewing and networking skills.
B) HOW TO BEST PREPARE
Its important to make the most of your time at career fairs. Therewill be many employers and even more job seekers vying for attention so its critical that you prepare in advance of setting foot into the career fair.
Here are 5 tips that can help you be well prepared:
#1 - PRIORITIZE
Find out what companies are going to be attending prior to the day of the career fair and identify and prioritize the top companies that youndefinitely want to visit.
#2 - RESEARCH
Spend a little time researching these companies; the more you know the better. Use the Internet, library, etc. Employers love talking to candidates who are familiar with their company and business. It also makes you look smart. Candidates who are knowledgeable about a company come across as intelligent and interested.
#3 - YOUR RESUME
Create and/or refine your resume and bring many, many clean, crisp copies to handout. This is very imporant!
#4 - APPROACH
Create a one-minute introduction that summarizes your skills, goals, experience, etc. Practice this until you are comfortable using this as your opening. The career fair will present many mini interviews and you need to be prepared for this. Anticipate interview questions and practice your responses.
#5 - APPEARANCE
Dress professionally ? don't wear shorts and sandals. Use good judgement in what you wear and project professionalism. Bring a nice folder to carry your resumes and a notepad and pen for taking notes.
C) TIPS & STRATEGIES DURING THE FAIR
Follow these tips below and you are on your way to a more productive career fair.
- Relax and plan on spending time at the fair. Career fairs are not that frequent so plan your time well. Try to avoid standing in long lines. Go early if possible because the first hour is usually the slowest.
- Always request business cards or at least get an email address so that you can follow-up and pursue leads.
- When you get to actually talk to a company representative ? remember to shake hands firmly and introduce yourself. This is your chance to make the best first impression.
- Be mentally prepared with a list of question to keep the conversation flowing. Ask about the company, the industry, what job opportunities exist, etc. Always try to relate your skills and experience to the company or jobs that may be open at the company.
- Visit companies outside your industry. You will be surprised at how many companies hire in all types of professions (ie. hospitals, banks, etc.)
- Visit your lower priority companies first. This way you can practice and fine tune your approach. When you are ready, then proceed to the top priority employers on your list.
- Network! Talk to both employers and other job candidates. If youare standing in line, don't be shy talk to the people in line. More jobs are filled by networking than any other means.
- Conduct yourself with a professional manner at all times. Employers are watching at all times. So when you are walking around or waiting in line, always maintain professionalism.
- Be aware of time. Don't stand and monopolize an employer's time. Its not good for them or for you. Ask specific questions, get to the point and most importantly get the contact information for later follow-up.
D) CAREER FAIR FOLLOW-UP
Its important to keep yourself fresh in the mind of the employers.To do this, you must send follow-up or thank you letters within two days. Always refer to the date and location of the job fair. Try and highlight any part of the conversation that stood out to make it easy for them to remember you. Always include a copy of your resume. You might also want to follow-up with a phone call.
Also its important to re-group after a career fair and evaluate your experience. Try and understand what you did right and what can be improved upon, as this will help you be more productive at the next fair.
Most importantly, just have a very positive attitude. Always have a smile and thank each person you speak to for his/her time. You have something to sell and employers are there to shop around, and vice versa.
This article can also be read directly online at: http://www.worktree.com/newslett er/career-and-job-fairs.html
Sincerely,
Nathan Newberger,
Managing Editor
http://www.WorkTree.com
"Helping You Find More Jobs Faster"
Nathan Newberger is the job and career expert at http://www.WorkTree.com. Nathan has over 10 years experience in staffing and human resources. He has worked both as a recruiter and career counselor. Mr. Newberger has been the Managing Editor at http://www.WorkTree.com for the past 5 years and his articles have helped thousands of job seekers.
 Google News Updated : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:50:53 GMT Palin hammers Obama on the abortion issue in Johnstown - CNN
CNN - (CNN) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin took her message to voters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania on Saturday, lashing out at Sen. Barack Obama for his views on abortion. Palin drubs Obama on abortion during Pa. rally Palin Gets Personal On Abortion Issue Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:06:21 GMT Stevens's Reputation 'Sterling,' Powell Says - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Del Quentin Wilber Former secretary of state Colin L. Powell told jurors in the corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens yesterday that the powerful Alaska Republican had a "sterling" reputation among the nation's military and political leaders. Reporter's Notebook: Powell Takes the Stand for Stevens Powell says Sen. Stevens' integrity "sterling" Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:13:53 GMT Obama Aims for Electoral Edge, Block by Block - New York Times
New York Times - Lukas McGowan is focused on getting voters out on Election Day. “Once we register them,” he says, “that’s only half the job. Obama thanks McCain for remarks, presses attack FOX News poll: Obama leads McCain Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:21:34 GMT This week in Apple: New notebooks, new writers, and more Woz - Ars Technica
Ars Technica - By Jacqui Cheng | Published: October 11, 2008 - 09:30AM CT This week's most-read Apple news was all over the map, but in a good way. Don't Buy A Mac Laptop* Apple may launch new laptop Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:43:05 GMT Nobel Peace Prize winner wants jobs for the young - International Herald Tribune
International Herald Tribune - AP HELSINKI, Finland: Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari said Saturday that finding jobs for more than 1 billion young people in the Middle East and Asia will be a major challenge to peacebuilding in the next decade. Ex-President Of Finland Is Awarded Peace Prize Nobel Finn Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:12:07 GMT Marriage ruling not the end of debate in Conn. - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Now that the Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled same-sex couples have the right to wed, opponents of gay marriage are pinning their hopes on an infrequent ballot question in a longshot bid to block the unions. Video: Connecticut Court Allows Gay Marriage Conn. Ban On Gay Marriage Reversed Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:41:18 GMT GM Is Said to Be in Preliminary Talks With Chrysler (Update2) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Jeff Green Oct. 11 (Bloomberg) -- General Motors Corp. is in preliminary talks with Cerberus Capital Management LP's Chrysler LLC about a possible merger or other partnership, people with direct knowledge of the talks said. Source: Chrysler, GM discuss merger, acquisition GM mulled Chrysler acquisition: Huh? Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:39:15 GMT Get Paid for Surveys |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... I get asked these questions over and over: "Should I... Read More With the opening of a new venture and numerous reporters... Read More Stories of intrigue, treachery, politics, lies, double crosses,... Read More "James is so restless and energetic. I wonder if he's... Read More For many of us, telecommuting seems like the ideal situation.... Read More Interviews can be nerve-racking, brain-draining, headache-inducing experiences. These days, recruiters... Read More Mention "outsourcing" to a programmer and you may as well... Read More Liars Get Caught! What NOT to Put on Your Resume"Everybody... Read More The day you begin to think of your job in... Read More Happy New Year! The forecasts are in agreement: Hiring is... Read More Work at Home Jobs vs Owning a Home Based BusinessNot... Read More Many people can easily write a resume in just a... Read More When you hear the word "networking", what comes to your... Read More Can music help you with your next job interview? It... Read More Are you one of the thousands of job seekers who... Read More Throughout the past decade, workplace diversity issues have allowed organizations... Read More 1. Start with an attractive layout. Use bold and italics... Read More Have any of these situations happened to you? Forgetting your... Read More Whether you've been downsized, are looking for a career change... Read More "Bill, thanks so much for your assistance with this search.... Read More Managing your career, just like managing your life, requires preparation... Read More Going to an interview without a plan of action is... Read More For many years, you looked forward to that day when... Read More If you're looking for that promotion or pay rise then... Read More What do many employees wish for at work? A bonus... Read More
Adsense
websites
Thank-You Notes: Your Thoughtfulness will be Rewarded
Sweeping Up Worms
The Musketeer Approach
Career Planning for Gifted Adults
The Telecommuting Tightrope
Mastering The Lunch Interview
How I Joined the Outsourcing Revolution
What You Should Never Put on Your Resume
Dont Get Caught In The Security Trap
Revitalize Your Recruiting for 2005
Work at Home Jobs Vs Self Employment
How Long Does It Take To Write A Resume?
The Network Within
Job Interviews & the Magic of Music
From The WorkWise Collection: Ten Ways to Win the Job Search Mind Game
Playing from the Blue Tees: Women in the Federal Government
10 Tips For Writing A Professional Rsum
How to Overcome a Bad First Impression
Resume 101
Hiring Managers: Preventing ?Fall-Off?s? and Counter Offers
The Career Athlete: What It Takes to Manage Your Career
Are You Making These Common Job Interview Mistakes?
Hello Work World, Im Un-Retiring
How To Get That Promotion
What Do Employees Wish for Most (And How To Get It)
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Learn Some Useful Feng Shui Career Tips
As it does with every main life aspect, feng shui... Read More
Cover Letter Magic: 4 Ways To ASK For The Job Interview - And Get It!
Just how important it is to ASK for the job... Read More
Electronic Resume Writing Tips That Boost Your Interview Appointment Success
Electronic Resume Writing Tips That Boost Your Interview Appointment SuccessBefore... Read More
Mystery Shopping
Mystery shopping is an excellent way to make extra money.... Read More
Dressing Tips for Interview Success
Dressing appropriately for job interviews is one of those areas... Read More
Is Your Job Search Guided by the Controller or the Controllee?
I'll define what I mean by these terms. "The Controller"... Read More
Pre-Interview Web Research
You have obtained an interview -- congratulations! You feel prepared... Read More
Employment Under A Microscope
A certain amount of oversight is involved in almost any... Read More
The Career Athlete: What It Takes to Manage Your Career
Managing your career, just like managing your life, requires preparation... Read More
Chicken Soup for Job Seekers
Do you want to change your job but don't know... Read More
Applying for a Job in China
Working in ChinaWorking in China is very common now. Either... Read More
Everyone Should Have a RED BALL in the Job Search
May I explain what about what a red ball means... Read More
The #1 Job Search Mistake To Avoid: Not Preparing Your Mind!
Mental preparation is probably your most important task as you... Read More
Are You a Nice Person? What Companies are Looking for in Recruiting and Retaining Great People
Hal Rosenbluth, author of The Customer Comes Second, states; "In... Read More
The 6 Stages of Modern Career Development
Career experts say that people will change careers (not jobs)... Read More
Successful Job Interview Tips
Congratulations! You've finally landed that job interview you've been waiting... Read More
How To Find A Telecommute Job
The answer may be easier than you think, but there's... Read More
Kill the Hype
She was waiting for me when I returned from a... Read More
5 Interviewing Tips To Get That Job!
Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a... Read More
Writing a Must-Read Cover Letter
If you want to land an interview, you'll need more... Read More
20 Questions That Helped Me Take A Leap Of Faith And Change Careers
When I was working more than 45 hours a week... Read More
Are Your Intentions Clear in Your Job Search?
1. Do you REALLY know what you want?2. Do you... Read More
Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Petite Model?
Want to break into the petite modeling industry but wondering... Read More
Bartending School Online- Earn Your Bartender Training From Home
Many young adults flock to bars, lounges and clubs on... Read More
Pebbles in Your Shoe Dont Only Hurt your Foot But Cause Back and Hip Problems!
CIO Magazine ran an article entitled, "Ten Mistakes CIO's Too... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |