How to stand out and be successful at a job fair.

A) Prepare Before the Job Fair!

First and foremost... I would highly suggest that you have a “Game Plan”.

What is a “Game Plan” you ask?

Well, it can be defined as your carefully thought-out strategy or course of action. The overall strategy of how you are going to impress theses top employers and how you are going to sell yourself in order to solidify that role/position you are currently seeking.

Step 1: Identify what is your goal?

Take a moment to think about what are you trying to truly achieve. It could be landing that position as an entry-level administration clerk, it could be that senior engineering role, it could even be that part-time customer service representative position over at Walmart. Whatever your dream job is ensure that you are realistic with your goal(s). Don't choose something that you are not qualified for and most importantly not interested in.

Step 2: Develop a list of employers you want to target at the job fair.

If it is possible try reaching out to the organizer of the event to find out what types of company's and industries will be involved, as sometimes job fairs can be tailored to a certain industry or role. Also, pay close attention to the advertisement as they might actually list some of the companies/organizations that will be in attendance.

Step 3: Research some of the companies that will be in attendance.

Reaching companies can result in being beneficial to a job seeker, as it shows the employer/recruiter that you are not just interested in the company, but that you are also willing to do the research (work) to "learn" more about a company and its culture, mission, beliefs, values and etc. Reaching a company can also assist you with creating questions to ask the employer/recruiter that are relevant to the organization. You can also incorporate some of the basic information you've learned about the company into your elevator pitch.

Example:

"Hello, I’m Starleeta, I’m in my 4th semester here at Centennial College and I’m currently studying Training and Development and I am highly interested in pursing a career in Human Resources. Based on my interest and passion for Human Resources, this past summer I volunteered/interned for the Royal Bank of Canada, where I was an assistant to the Director of the Training and Developmental department. It was a fantastic experience as I was exposed to learning more about the Human Resources industry. 

Post-graduation, I’d like to join a top organization in the aviation industry working on either the recruiting or training and developmental team. Based on that goal, I’d really like to spend my summer interning for Air Canada in the Human Resources - Training and Developmental Coordinator role. I think it would be an amazing place to work and assist with me gaining additional valuable experience in the industry of Human Resources. I’ve also heard and read so may positive things about your organization’s culture such as its mentor-ship program that is offered, care to tell me more about?".

Step 4:Ensure that your resume & LinkedIn profile are up-to-date

Don’t forget to proofread your resume and LinkedIn profile; make sure that all information that is presented is in chronological order, functional, and shows a combination of your skills while highlighting your work experience. Let's not forget to have some hard copies of your resume and references handy, should the employer/recruiter want that too.

Remember: It is always better to be prepared, rather than to not be prepared!!!

B) Day Of The Job Fair!

Step 1: Make a good impression

i) Firm handshake - Always give your potential employer/recruiter a firm handshake, you may not think it is important but, not all communication is verbal. Humans have a tendency of saying a lot of things just by their body language. For more details, please watch Amy Cuddy's TEDTalk on Fake it till you make it.

ii) Eye contact - Maintaining eye contact is also very important. No, that does not mean stare blankly at the employer/recruiter. It simply means give them your undivided attention. Remember this is your time to shine and make that positive lasting impression. For more details, please watch Celeste Headlee's TEDTalk on 10 ways to have a better conversation.

iii) Smile - Have you ever heard that a smile can do a lot for a person, well it can! With a smile, you tend to come across as more approachable, which is exactly the type of employee that most employers/recruiters are looking to acquire! Just think about it, would you approach the employer/recruiter who is straight faced, serious, and look like they need to use the washroom or the one who wears a warm and welcoming smile? My thoughts exactly!

iv) Attire - Ensure that you have your clothing neatly pressed and that you are comfortable. The worst thing that you can do is be untidy and uncomfortable.

Tip: Two nights before the event, try on all professional clothing items that you would like to wear. That way if you have any issues such as a pair of torn dress pants or blazer; you will now still have time to go out and find something that works. Rather then finding out that your favorite dress pants has a hole, or doesn't fit right the morning of the event.

v) Name badge - (First & Last Name, Program)

vi) Power poses - Power poses can either make or brake you. However, if done correctly it can be beneficial to your first impression and assist in boosting your self-confidence.

Step 2: Have questions to ask for the potential employer.

Examples:

• What are common career paths within your company?
• What is the application process like?
• What is the typical timeline from application to hire?
• What are you looking for in an ideal candidate?
• What types of jobs does your company have for recent graduates?
• What academic background will be the most helpful in preparing to enter this field?

 Step 3: Practice appropriate break-away statements.

Thank the employer/recruiter for their time, “request” a business card, so you can in the words of Centennial College – “Stay Connected”.

C) Follow-Up Strategies

Below are some follow-up strategies that you can use:

• Follow-up with all the employers you spoke with
• E-mail or handwrite a professional thank you note and be sure to reference the job/internship you are interested in
• Customize the note to each employer; draw on some memorable aspect of your conversation
• Ask “follow-up” questions to let the employer know just how much you are interested in the position/role
• If the employer asks you to follow-up with a phone call or be sending additional information, be sure to do so within three (3) days.

Lastly, use your time wisely, find out where employers are located and map your path. Use the employers’ time wisely, just like you are trying to find a job, they are trying to find that ideal candidate. Get a business card from everyone that you talk with. DON’T BE ALL ABOUT THE GIVE AWAY ITEMS! I hope that you found this information very helpful, and that you use it at your next job fair. Good luck everyone!