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1. How to Work a Job Fair
2. Job Fair Expectations…the employer Employers attend job fairs in various stages of hiring readiness:
Immediate openings
Anticipated openings
Contract/project work
Newly created positions
Internships
Employers attend job fairs primarily to:
Collect resumes
Source candidates
Promote the company
4. Job Fair Preparation Preparation is integral to your ability to impact an employer.
Develop an effective resume
Familiarize yourself with the company literature, websites and positions of interest
Develop your one minute marketing presentation
Demonstrate your professional presence
Plan your strategy and practice your approach
5. Develop an Effective Resume The resume is used as a marketing tool to sell your experience and qualifications to potential employers
The resume is a creative, personal statement of your education and experience, as well as your future career direction
The resume should highlight relevant accomplishments and skills which match the employer’s current hiring needs
6. Companies of Interest Review the list of the companies attending the Job Fair
Identify companies of interest
Familiarize yourself with the company by researching on the Internet, Bloomberg or Hoovers
7. Develop your one minute marketing presentation Take the time to prepare (write out) your marketing presentation before the Job Fair
Clearly articulate your skills and how they can benefit the employer
Practice with a friend or tape recorder
Your presentation should evolve into a conversation…ask and answer questions
Listen to the Employer for valuable information
8. Professional Presence Make a positive first impression!
You are sized up by a recruiter in 5-7 seconds based on your non-verbal communication which includes:
Professional look
Appropriate attire
Handshake
Eye Contact
Posture
Enthusiasm
Smile!
9. Dress for Success: Men
10. Dress for Success: Women
11. Strategy and Approach Working the Job Fair:
Greet the employer with a smile, clear voice and a strong handshake
Introduce yourself with confidence and give your one minute marketing presentation
Use positive action verbs to describe your work experience and related skills
Ask questions that demonstrate your preparation and insight
Be mindful of the recruiter’s time… no more than 5 minutes
Ask for their business card
Inquire about their hiring timeline
SMILE and say thank you
12. Life after the Job Fair Record notes on your conversations with employers
Reflect on what you did well and what you can improve upon
Send a thank-you note to reiterate your interest in the position and company
Telephone or email your contact within in a week to 10 days to follow-up
Apply to positions online with organizations
13. Job Fair Tips From the Experts Do your research!
Dress professionally
Bring extra copies of your resume
Bring a pad folio to write notes and hold your resumes
Prepare and practice your introduction
Arrive early
Be prepared to discuss your career goals
Be assertive and enthusiastic
Remain calm
Explore your options
(http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobfairs/a/jobfairs.htm)