Career fairs and networking events are great opportunities to connect with potential employers and showcase your skills. However, they can also be competitive and overwhelming. How can you stand out from the crowd and impress the recruiters? Here are some tips to help you prepare, present, and follow up effectively.
Before you attend a career fair or a networking event, do some research on the employers that interest you. Find out what they do, what their values are, and what kind of skills and qualifications they are looking for. This will help you tailor your resume, elevator pitch, and questions to their specific needs and goals. It will also show that you are motivated, informed, and interested in their organization.
Being someone who hosts in-person and virtual hiring events nationwide, I often get to observe behaviors from our attendees. One thing I always see exhibitors gravitate towards is the attendees who look a little more passive. When an attendee doesn't have their eyes set on one booth, they often get more exposure without even realizing it. The passive attendee usually has a folder with the resume handy and tends to move away from all their competition. These candidates are doing their research on who is exhibiting and not just stopping by to grab a pen or a shiny water bottle. They are there to truly learn about each role and see if it aligns with their job search. The passive candidate is much more open to listening to the recruiters.
First impressions matter, especially when you have limited time to interact with employers. Dress professionally and appropriately for the industry and the event. Avoid wearing anything too casual, flashy, or distracting. Choose clothes that fit well, are clean and ironed, and match your personal style. You want to look confident, competent, and comfortable.
Impressing employers at career fairs is all about striking a balance: be genuine, yet polished; eager, yet composed. Start with a warm, confident handshake and an elevator pitch: succinctly convey who you are, what you do, and what you’re passionate about. Dive into research prior; understanding a company's mission and recent endeavours can furnish tailored questions, showcasing genuine interest. Offer stories that highlight your skills and achievements without overshadowing a willingness to learn and adapt. Remember to listen, ensuring conversations are reciprocal and engaging. Afterward, a thoughtful follow-up email can reinforce your interest and keep you memorable amidst the crowd. Be brave and go for it!
Don't forget to bring your essentials to the career fair or the networking event. These include your resume, business cards, portfolio, pen, and notebook. Make sure your resume is updated, concise, and relevant to the employers you want to target. Have enough copies to hand out to the recruiters and the contacts you make. Your business cards should have your name, contact information, and a brief summary of your skills or value proposition. Your portfolio should showcase your best work and demonstrate your achievements and abilities. Your pen and notebook are useful for taking notes, writing down names, and jotting down reminders.
When you approach an employer or a contact, introduce yourself with a smile, a handshake, and an elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch is a short and catchy statement that summarizes who you are, what you do, and what you offer. It should be tailored to the specific employer or opportunity you are pursuing. Be clear, confident, and enthusiastic. After your introduction, engage in a conversation with the employer or the contact. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and show interest and curiosity. Avoid talking too much, interrupting, or dominating the conversation. Be polite, respectful, and positive.
After the career fair or the networking event, follow up with the employers and the contacts you met. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, expressing your appreciation, interest, and value. Remind them of who you are, what you discussed, and what you can offer. Attach your resume and portfolio if appropriate. Keep the email brief, professional, and personalized. You can also connect with them on LinkedIn or other social media platforms, but make sure your profile is updated and consistent with your resume. Stay in touch until you hear back from them or find another opportunity.