5 Ways To Stand Out At A Career Fair
Steph Cartwright, CPRW
Job Search Strategist ? I teach job seekers how to get unstuck and get a foot in the door at the companies they’d love to work for with their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and job search plans ? Certified Resume Writer
What has your experience at a career fair looked like?
Maybe you walked into a conference hall lined with booths and immediately felt intimidated by the recruiters waiting for what you feel is a spontaneous interview. Maybe you've only participated in a virtual career fair where you scheduled a quick chat with a recruiter, and you felt that your opportunity to seal the deal was here and gone rather quickly. Or maybe you haven't taken advantage of the enormous resource a career fair can be in your job search.
Attending a career fair (virtual or in-person!) can be a great strategy to move you forward in your job search, especially if you're changing careers or have an unconventional work history. Here are some tips to make the most of the opportunity to have direct conversations with representatives of companies that are currently hiring and that may have already piqued your interest.
1 | Prepare For The Career Fair
In order to set the right intentions, you'll want to do some research and planning.
Know who the participating companies are. By knowing your audience, their mission, values, services, and available job openings, you can gauge whether it aligns with your own values and goals. Note down the positions, qualifications, and requirements so you can tailor your conversation and resume to match your skills to each company of interest's needs.
Prepare questions in advance. After doing company research, create a list of questions to ask recruiters and other company representatives. Tailoring your questions to each company will also demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in working with the company and the positions they have open.
Remind yourself that practice makes perfect. Rehearse your elevator pitch, responses to potential interview questions, and your questions for recruiters. Practice with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and get some constructive feedback before you go.
Bring the essentials. Since you've done research about the job openings that interest you, print and bring copies of your tailored resume for those particular opportunities. Keep them in a folder or portfolio to keep them neat and clean.
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2 | Craft A Great Elevator Pitch
Preparing an elevator pitch will not only help you create a strong impression on future employers and hiring managers but minimize your nerves about introducing yourself to others. Your elevator pitch is your tool to create a compelling and memorable introduction that:
Rehearse your elevator pitch so you can confidently and naturally articulate each point. Remember to keep your elevator pitch concise, typically within 30 to 60 seconds. It's totally doable!
3 | Make A Move With Confidence
Most importantly before engaging, show yourself some self-compassion and grace. It is okay to be nervous and overwhelmed! Remember, recruiters are there to meet job-seeking candidates like you. They want to hear from you!
Start with a smile and shake their hands firmly as you introduce yourself. Show active listening by addressing them by name and showcasing your knowledge of the company whenever it is appropriate. Engage recruiters by asking open-ended questions about their experiences at the company, their roles, and the company's culture. This will encourage them to share more, giving you a chance to listen actively.
Take breaks. This is a marathon, not a race! Don't hesitate to step aside if you need to regroup and recharge. Find a quiet corner to collect your thoughts. Or participate in workshops and presentations. It'll feel less intimidating than initiating a 1:1 conversation in this type of structured environment. It'll allow you to learn more about the company and recruiters as well.
Get instant access to recruiters and HR representatives for companies who are currently hiring with this?step-by-step?Job Fair Networking Plan