Attending a Career Fair? This is the only guide you will ever need

There are numerous reasons for job seekers to attend a career fair, but the most relevant reasons are:

— Finding jobs – local/long distance

— Networking – with recruiters/industry professionals/company representatives

— Company Research

— Professional Development

On the other hand, companies and recruiters participate in a career expo to source the best talent, interview potential candidates, and woo jobseekers to work for their organisation. Lots of recruiters and employers use these events to pre-screen potential employees.

Although my book on career fair success, will give you list of strategies and tools that will boost your confidence and get you closer to a job, I want to stress on a few crucial points.

1. Preparation – This will establish a strong foundation for your success. Preparation includes researching the organisations attending the job fair, registration, preparing your resume and business card, rehearsing an elevator/networking pitch, an updated portfolio including samples of your work, preparing a list of questions and dressing for success

2. Execution – Interacting with hiring managers/recruiters with smile and positive energy – first impression is the last impression, so you need to beware of your body language. Ask meaningful questions that will move you forward in your quest to land job with that company. Collect business cards and keep making notes of the interactions during the career expo. Meet as many industry professional as you can, offer help and share knowledge; attend any employment/career related seminars. Take regular breaks to recharge yourself.

3. Follow-up – Send thank you letters and notes to everyone you met at the career fair– don’t underestimate the power of thanking people, accompanied by highlights of the points you discussed with them. I would encourage you to consider sending thank you letters through regular mail rather than email as it will look very personal and different. Connect with all new contacts you made on Linkedin and start networking. Send resumes or any other information that people requested and follow-up.

You can download my book on career fair success by clicking on the image below:

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