Uncover New Opportunities: Explore Job Fairs

I have never posted about job searching before.?

In fact, it is not even my niche nor area of expertise … at all.

So, recruiters, HR personnel, and hiring managers, please be kind in the comments ??.

Job Fairs: Uncover New Opportunities

Ever wondered what else you can do to boost your career opportunities?

Consider attending a job fair!

The initial reaction might be to dismiss the idea outright ... nope, no way, not going there.

What I discovered at the fair was eye opening!

I'm sharing this post because I've observed, as I'm sure you have, the sheer volume of applicants for a single role, reaching over 100 in just minutes.

Aside from the competition for searching and landing a role, it is also an emotional journey, especially with constant, genuinely good intended questions from family and friends about your progress.

In the hope of sharing a method that has been around for ages, and something I experienced for the first time yesterday with a friend in the recruiting industry, I found this tactic extremely efficient with a huge outreach potential in a matter of hours.? And, maybe it can assist you in your job search journey.

Job Search Tactics Currently Promoted

• Personal Referrals: Leverage connections, colleagues/friends/family.
• Resume Tweaking: Tailor your resume to match job descriptions and navigate ATS hurdles.
• Social Media Engagement: Use LinkedIn to announce your availability and seek recommendations.
• Company Target: Asking for referrals to only specific companies on your list.
• Career Coaching Groups: Join communities for support and opportunities.
• Recruiters/Placement Agencies

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Job Fairs…Enter a World of the Unknown!

The reality of the current job market hit me immediately upon walking into the job fair. The parking lot was overflowing, and at least 300 people were lined up, waiting for the doors to open. This was a local job fair, so imagine the turnout in larger cities—easily ten times more.

Upon entering the hall, I was pleasantly surprised by the setup, which felt like an industry conference. Tables filled the space, with companies eager to share their opportunities and find matches for their open roles. It was refreshing to see companies proving their worth to job applicants instead of the other way around.

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How to Prep for a Job Fair:

• Research: Look through the list of companies attending the fair and target the ones that interest you.
• Resume Copies & Quality of Presentation: Prepare 10 copies of your resume tailored to 3 or 4 roles you are targeting. ?If you hand out at least 20 copies of your resume with brief conversations with a Company, you've covered a lot of ground! While it may seem old-fashioned, use high-quality paper when handing out your resume. It can make a positive impression on recruiters and help you stand out from the crowd.
• Focus: Stick to discussing those 3 to 4 roles you’ve selected with recruiters.?? If a company you are interested in does not have your desired role listed, ask the recruiter for advice on who to contact directly in the Company.

Benefits of Attending?

• Efficient Outreach: Directly connect with multiple companies and potentially bypass initial HR screening, as HR representatives and even agency presidents are often present at job fairs. For example: by handing out 20 resumes and having quick conversations with Company recruiters, you can sidestep the initial screening process and you have covered a fair number of companies in a short amount of time.
• Targeted Search: The Companies will have a list of roles they have available at the tables. Up to you if you want to stop at the table to speak with the recruiter or pass based on roles listed.
• Quick Responses.? Many of the Companies stated they review the resumes within days and respond quickly. I overheard one conversation where a placement Company had a contract to place 80 roles for a new division within the next month. ?That type of information most likely would never be posted on a job board.
• Support: Realize you are not alone in this journey.?
• Networking: Meet new people and expand your search circle.

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What are the statics of landing a role from attending a job fair?

Good question: Again, this is not my area of expertise.? A ChatGPT response with no source offered this: While specific statistics are not universally available, studies and reports suggest that job seekers who attend job fairs with a strategic approach can improve their chances of success. According to some career services and job fair organizers, the success rate for attendees can range from 10% to 20% landing a job or at least getting a significant lead that leads to employment later.

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>> For those looking for new roles - Wishing you all the best and keep moving forward.?

>> For those happy in their careers right now, “please assist.”? Things may be perfect for you and “life is good.”? It is not good for everyone.? If there is a way you can assist, please do.?

We are all in this together!