7 Expert Tips to Maximize Your Experience at Job Fairs

 by Rev. Michael Robinson, M.S.

Most of us have attended a job fair at least once in our work life. The consensus is that some do well at such employment events, while others fall flat. To navigate a job fair most effectively requires some savvy strategic planning and execution of a well-constructed action plan. Otherwise, a job seeker will walk away jilted, discouraged and feeling like the experience was a waste of their time - - falling flat. For the job seekers that have fallen flat at job fairs and have grown weary in attending such events, perhaps this article can equip them with the tools they need to better enhance their job fair experience.

It's my experience that job seekers maximize their time and job search efforts by attending and networking with employers at job fair events. Job fairs are a great opportunity for job seekers to make good personal impressions on hiring managers and Talent Acquisition recruiters from a variety of employers! Job fairs are recruiting events that invite many hiring employers under one roof!

For over a decade, Temple University hosts an annual public job fair that has grown to become Philadelphia’s LARGEST annual citywide job fair event! On Thursday, May 14, 2020, 9am-2pm, the Temple University/Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative will host its “14th Annual Neighborhood Job Fair!” - at Temple University’s Aramark STAR Complex, 1816 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121 (corner of 15th & Montgomery Avenue). This spectacular job fair is presented as a community service to Philadelphia and Delaware Valley residents; adult job seekers, recent college grads, military veterans, and trade skills professionals are strongly urged to attend – this is a FREE public event open to all!

“As an award-winning Human Resources professional, an award-winning business leader, a national award-winning college administrator, and organizer of the LARGEST annual citywide job fair in Philadelphia (America’s 6th largest city), I’d like to impart seven expert tips to all job seeker on how to best navigate a job fair,” shared job fair organizer Rev. Michael Robinson, M.S., Director-Community Outreach and Hiring, Temple University/Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative.

1.    NAVIGATING THE JOB FAIR

PURPOSE of the Job Fair…

First, consider the following major goals and reasons for you to attend our job fair…

?       To make a Good Impression with Hiring Managers and Recruiters in attendance!

?       To Network with other Job Seekers that may know of Applicable Jobs for You!

?       To Personally Meet and Network with Employer Recruiters!

BEFORE the Job Fair…

?       Attend job readiness workshops leading up to our job fair, PACareerLink offers such training for free. 

?       Research the published the list of employers, research all the employers for the type of jobs they are hiring for, particularly jobs that are most applicable to you.

?       Be very clear about the type of work you’re qualified for (self-assessment).

?       Bring with you at least 25-50 copies of a well-crafted resume, no more than two pages in length; make sure your resume has your accurate contact information (name, city, state, zip, phone, email address). NOTE: If your resume is two pages, make sure your name and contact information is listed on both pages, stapled, NO PAPERCLIPS! Some employers may not accept paper resumes and may instruct you to submit your resume online via their website. 

?       Practice, Practice, Practice! Rehearse your ‘elevator pitch’ - - this is your 30-60 second speech/conversation with recruiters highlighting your relevant work experience, key accomplishments, and significant attributes as to why the employer should hire you.

?       Be prepared to answer interview questions. With a neighbor or family member, practice answering interview questions. The internet offers numerous sources for sample interview questions. Don’t have a computer or internet access? Visit your local library and/or PACareerLink office to use their public computer lab to search for and print out sample interview questions, create your resume, research area job fairs, and develop your interview-skills pitch to employers at job fair.

?       The night before job fairs, pick out your interview business attire. Make sure your business suit is pressed and clean, shoes polished, hair neat.

DURING the Job Fair…

?       Make a great impression by arriving early! By doing so, you catch the recruiters fresh and energized at the start of the event.

?       Wear comfortable dress shoes. 

?       While waiting your turn in line to speak with employers, don’t talk on your cell phone, be patient and cordial towards everyone.

?       Don’t be afraid to ask for a follow-up interview, the worse the recruiter can say is no.

?       Bring a portfolio notepad and pen with you to write notes about your encounters with particular employers so you can follow-up with per specific instructions you were given.

AFTER the Job Fair…

?       Connect promptly with the recruiters that you met; send email ‘Thank You’ notes to all the employer representatives that you connected with (keep it short); let the recruiters know you’re available for immediate interviews.

?       Establish a connection on LinkedInc.com with the specific recruiters that you met with. NOTE: LinkedIn.com is a social media online site for job seekers, hiring managers, and professional leaders in the workforce. LinkedIn allows job seekers to set-up a free professional profile to showcase their professional experiences and accomplishments; if you don’t have a profile setup on LinkedIn do so immediately. 

?       Start prepping for potential interviews. Don’t wait until you’re called, continue practicing answering interview questions, so that when you’re called, you’re already prepared to interview!

2.    NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

Job fairs present an optimal opportunity to network and engage with multiple employers under one roof. Job fairs are not the venues to become coy and un-engaging, not only should you network and engage with employers, but network and engage with fellow job seekers. They may be in-the-know of employment opportunities that weren’t a best fit for them but are a best fit for you.

3.    TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CAPTIVE AUDIENCE

Job fairs have multiple employers scheduled for a specified time, take advantage of meeting with the roster of employers while you have access to them all. Do your advance research of the employers confirmed to attend to prioritize the order of the employers you plan to connect with in rank order.

4.    DO YOUR RESEARCH

Prior to attending the job fair, as stated previously, research the employers confirmed to attend. Go to their websites to view their current job openings; ascertain which jobs are most applicable to your skills and experience. If possible, apply for the jobs you’re qualified for in advance of the job fair, so that when you do meet with the recruiting reps in person, you can discuss your background and candidacy, and inform the employer reps that you have applied for applicable job openings within their specific organization. Glassdoor.com, LinkedIn.com,

5.    RIGHT CONVERSATION

Make sure that you’re prepped to discuss your relevant skills, experience, accomplishments, education, and special training and certifications that are related to the employment opportunities that the employers are recruiting for. This is why it’s important to do your research and preparation in advance of the job fair, to know which companies are offering the best-fit job opportunities that you seek. Practice your 30 to 60 second pitch to company recruiters about your applicable skills, relevant experience and accomplishments, education, special training and certifications that are related to the jobs they are hiring for. It’s important that you peak their recruiters’ interests with skills and aptitude information they’re most interested in.

6.    IMAGE AND STYLE, KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL AND CONSERVATIVE

Look the part! It’s important that you project a professional and neat appearance to employers. Recruiters are sizing you up, evaluating your appearance within nano-seconds of greeting/meeting you. So, make sure you attend all job fairs dressed in business attire. 

NOTE: If your suit color resembles any color of the candies contained in a box of Mike & Ike or package of Now and Later, DO NOT wear that suit to an interview! Your business suit be dark blue, black or grey in color, with a white shirt, solid color silk tie (men), and dress shoes (ladies, no stilettos!); and make sure your suit is clean and freshly pressed,

If your wardrobe lacks professional business attire, there are two local organizations where you can get a FREE high-quality business suit, shirt, dress shoes, and tie for interviews, call for details: 

·      Menzfit, 1500 Walnut Street, #1306, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 845-5904; and

·      Career Wardrobe, 1822 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, (215) 568-6693.

7.    FOLLOW-UP, SECURE BUSINESS CARDS

For each employer recruiter that you meet with at the job fair, secure their business card to follow up with them after the event. Especially if you made a great connection, follow-up with the recruiter to reaffirm your interest in their company and how you’re qualified and available to interview. If the recruiter doesn’t have a card, be prepared to write down their contact information.

In an article published by HealthAffairs.org, Dr. Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General cites the significant positive impact of employment on individuals and a community, “Employment and job creation build prosperity and carry important health benefits, both for individuals and entire communities.” 

“Follow my seven expert tips for navigating a job fair. It’s my hope that our 14th Annual Neighborhood Job Fair, or other job fairs, will provide job seekers a springboard to gainful employment,” shared Robinson.

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