10 Job Fair Tips
Written by Debra Mastic
I went undercover at a job fair to figure out what you should know before signing up for one.
1. Go to the job fair early. Job fairs get busier around lunch time because many people have to work.
2. Have a 2-minute overview ready. When you go to a job fair, recruiters will ask you to give a 2-minute overview of yourself after you sit down.
3. Smile. Recruiters are looking for people that smile and are friendly.
4. Recruiters don’t care about your schooling. They’re looking for people who are dressed professionally, have good communication skills and give out a positive vibe.
5. Use professional resume paper. It will make you stand out because 99.9% of people use cheap copy paper.
6. Your resume is only a point of reference. You need to bring copies of your resume. However, recruiters are judging you on how you present the information on your resume in person.
7. The biggest mistake you can make is not being knowledgeable about the company you’re interviewing with. Research the companies represented at the job fair in advance.
8. Be open-minded. Some recruiters may be leaving their companies soon and will be recruiting for other positions. Even if you’re not interested in a position or company, don’t be afraid to reach out and make a connection with each recruiter.
9. Don’t be nervous. Recruiters at job fairs are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and have great people skills. Their job is to make a great impression on you!
10. Be prepared for these questions: What brings you out? Where do you work now? What are you looking for?
During the interview, the recruiter will take notes on your resume like “nervous” or “great vibe.” After the interview, the recruiter will send your resume to someone else in their company to judge it without actually meeting you. If the company wants to move forward, expect to continue the interview process soon after the job fair.
1. Go to the job fair early. Job fairs get busier around lunch time because many people have to work.
2. Have a 2-minute overview ready. When you go to a job fair, recruiters will ask you to give a 2-minute overview of yourself after you sit down.
3. Smile. Recruiters are looking for people that smile and are friendly.
4. Recruiters don’t care about your schooling. They’re looking for people who are dressed professionally, have good communication skills and give out a positive vibe.
5. Use professional resume paper. It will make you stand out because 99.9% of people use cheap copy paper.
6. Your resume is only a point of reference. You need to bring copies of your resume. However, recruiters are judging you on how you present the information on your resume in person.
7. The biggest mistake you can make is not being knowledgeable about the company you’re interviewing with. Research the companies represented at the job fair in advance.
8. Be open-minded. Some recruiters may be leaving their companies soon and will be recruiting for other positions. Even if you’re not interested in a position or company, don’t be afraid to reach out and make a connection with each recruiter.
9. Don’t be nervous. Recruiters at job fairs are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and have great people skills. Their job is to make a great impression on you!
10. Be prepared for these questions: What brings you out? Where do you work now? What are you looking for?
During the interview, the recruiter will take notes on your resume like “nervous” or “great vibe.” After the interview, the recruiter will send your resume to someone else in their company to judge it without actually meeting you. If the company wants to move forward, expect to continue the interview process soon after the job fair.
