Get Results from Career or Job Fairs!

Get Results from Career or Job Fairs! Get Results from Career or Job Fairs!   If you have ever been to a  career or job  fair, you know that standing out and making a good impression are keys to success. Following my basic, but important,  rules  of what to do before,  during and after a  career or  job fair  will prepare you for success and boost your confidence. And while job offers  will not be made at the job fair, if you  follow through with these steps, you could be on your way toward a successful interview at the company of your choice!   Before  the  Career  or Job  Fair   Map out your plan of attack.     Secure a list of companies attending the job fair.     Pick  your top ten companies to target  so you  can  move to those booths or tables at the beginning.     Research;  find positions you want on each company’s website and bring copies of the job descriptions to the fair!   Script your answers  to  the  two questions you  be asked frequently:  â€œTell me about yourself” and “What are you looking for?” Prepare concise answers to each and be ready to give  the recruiter  a clear sense of your background and  the  specific positions you  are  targeting.     At the Career  or Job  Fair     Keep in mind that  your main objective  at the fair  is to get the name, title and e-mail of the primary contact within the company who hires in your field.     Arrive early!  Walk  around to get a feel for the layout and where each  of your targeted  employers  is located. Decide  with  whom you want to speak and in what order. Approach the company table and  introduce yourself with a strong handshake and eye contact. Pick up  any of  their  literature, job listings and other material.  Take notes on what you learn from the company representative.  Show that you are alert, enthusiastic and confident. State your specific job goals  and communicate  how your goals fit with the needs of the company.   If you created a personal business card,  which I recommend,  give it to the recruiter. Do not use a business card from your current employer with your work phone and email. Be sure to collect business cards  from the company representatives  and  write down everything you learn from  each employer.     If there is  a company that you really want to work for, but they  are not hiring for your field,  approach the recruiter and ask: “Who should I contact in your company for a position in my field (e.g.,  computer programming)?” They might invite you to send your résumé to them and forward it.       Before you leave, go  back to the companies you really want to work for. Wait until the recruiter is free. Walk up and thank him  or  her for their time. This  lasting impression is very important for future contact. Remember, they may be talking to 50  -100 people, and it is best if they can remember your name and face  over all the other candidates!     After the  Career  or Job  Fair     Connect  with the company representatives you met  24  to  48 hours after the event!  Send  a thank  you e-mail referencing your meeting  at the fair.  Examples:   Here  are the qualifications and experience I bring to the position3 bullet points.     I would appreciate the opportunity to speak to you further in an interview.     I will e-mail you next week to arrange a time when we can further discuss how my skills can benefit your organization.       Connect via LinkedIn by writing a personal connection message from your computer and not via the LinkedIn mobile app. Today, the app makes it very hard to write a professional connection request.     Finally, after the event,  be sure write down your  notes about the day: whom  you met, what you learned, additional research to be done, networking opportunities, etc. Keeping track of all this information  will  come in handy when you get  the  call  to come in  for an interview!     Join Dana Manciagli’s  Job Search Master Class ®  now  and get the most comprehensive job search system available!