Job fairs

A job fair is an event that allows employers and recruiters to give information to potential employees. For job seekers, they are a great opportunity to connect with many employers at one time, in one location.

Some job fairs are attended by employers from a variety of industries, others serve a particular audience, and some job fairs are held online. There are a number of “military friendly” job fairs targeted specifically to transitioning veterans and military spouses.

To prepare and get the most from a job fair, polish your professional introduction, research the companies you are interested in talking to, and develop a “plan of attack” for your time there. It is impossible to talk to every company in attendance, so ideally, choose your top 5-10 and focus on connecting with representatives of those companies.

Expect to:

• Build your professional network
• Introduce yourself to potential employers and answer their questions
• Get information and leads that are not available on the employer's website

Do not expect to:

• Have on-the-spot interviews (but be prepared, just in case!)
• Be given a job offer

Before the job fair

• Register. Although not always required, having your name on the list of pre-registered attendees shows professional courtesy to both fair organizers and exhibiting employers.
• Research participating employers. Find out ahead of time which employers hire people with your skills. Even if the company is not on your list of targeted employers, treat them as if they were.
• Know your career objective.
• Make a list of questions for employers. Ask about how they recruit and hire people with your skill set. Your target employers will likely have similar hiring practices.
• Polish your resume.
• Practice your elevator speech. Begin with a firm handshake and good eye contact. Use a clear voice and provide the employer with concise and relevant information. It's a good idea to practice with someone beforehand.
• Practice interview responses.

During the job fair

• Dress professionally.
• Bring several copies of your resume, pen and paper or your phone to take notes, and breath mints.
• Talk with recruiters, but not for too long.
• Get business cards, names, and contact information.
• After meeting someone, make a few notes. What did you discuss with them? Did you commit to any follow-up?
• Talk with other job seekers at the job fair.
• Be professional, polite, and positive.

After the job fair

Send a thank-you e-mail or letter to remind your contacts of who you are and any specifics you discussed. Thank them for their time and ask about next steps. Make sure to organize your job fair notes and contact information.