Keys to Preparing for a Job Fair

Today just about every media outlet in the country announced that the unemployment rate is at its highest in 16 years. That being the case, 2 million plus Americans will be seeking employment and possibly attending job fairs. So, here are some guidelines to keep in mind if you are going to brave a job fair.

If you are targeting a specific job your resume should reflect that and it should be updated. Make several copies of it to take with you. Prior to the job fair obtain a listing of the employers who will be there. Use the internet and other resources to research information on those companies. Some good sources are local libraries, the Chamber or Commerce, and the never-failing “word of mouth”. Also, be sure to target your search to companies you are interested in.

One thing you’ll need to make sure you brush up on if you haven’t done it in a while is your interviewing skills. Typically, job fair participants are asked to perform “on-the-spot” interviews, so be prepared to answer and ask questions. Take questions with you that you have prepared to ask to gain information about the company. And, remember this is most definitely an “interview”, so you should be dressed professionally. To make the most of your time and to ensure job fair success, focus your time and energy on the companies that are looking for candidates for the positions you are interested in. Upon leaving interviews request the interviewers business cards so you can follow-up.  

Lastly, when you go to employers booths have a positive, upbeat attitude. This makes an impressive impact. Go to the employers booths that you targeted when you did your research and visit other booths you may be interested in. Collect contact and company information from all of them. Allot adequate time with each employer on your “target” list and network with other participants. You may be surprised what nuggets of information you find out about employers and how helpful other participants may be during your job search.