Ten Tips for Career Fair Success

By Mesia Quartano for LatPro.com

Career fairs are a great way to network with a variety of employers at one time. To help you make the most out of your job fair experience, we'd like to share some important recommendations from our career experts here at LatPro.com. By following these tips, you’ll be able to navigate job fairs effectively and confidently while making a great impression on employers!

Ten Tips for Career Fair Success

Do your homework.
Check out the fair's Web site ahead of time. Organizers provide information about employers who will be attending and the positions they have available – use this as starting point to research companies in which you have an interest.
Come prepared.
Bring a notepad, pens and twice as many copies of your resume as you think you’ll need. Carry these items in a portfolio or professional tote with enough room to store materials you’ll collect from prospective employers (such as business cards and brochures). It’s also a good idea to bring examples of your work, neatly organized in a binder. Even if the company representative doesn't have time to go over items in detail, you’ll be able to visually illustrate and reinforce your abilities.
Dress for success.
When meeting with companies at a career fair, you are having an initial interview. You should dress in appropriate business attire and footwear (no jeans, casual pants, shorts, athletic shoes, sandals, flip-flops, etc.), and your clothing should be neat, clean and well pressed. For women, fragrance, makeup and jewelry should be minimal and understated.
Prioritize employers at the fair.
Visit the booths of employers that you're most excited about first, and then try to meet with as many other employers as possible. Organizations that you may not have previously considered could turn out to be the source of a great job – you might find the perfect accounting position at a hospital or the HR job of your dreams at a national retailer.
Be polite and patient.
You may have to wait to speak with company representatives. A courteous, positive attitude is a must when dealing with employers and other attendees.
Make a positive first impression.
When it’s your turn to speak with a company rep, introduce yourself, speaking slowly and clearly. Shake hands firmly while making good eye contact and smiling. To prepare for questions like “why do you want to work for us?” or “tell me a little about yourself,” you should create a one-minute “commercial” that concisely covers the most important aspects of your background and career interests, and how your skills and experience can help an employer. Practice this speech until it’s natural and comfortable for you.
Don’t monopolize an employer's time.
Realize that company reps must allow time to speak with all interested job fair attendees. If the booth is busy and you have detailed or numerous questions, ask the representative if you can discuss them later, at their convenience.
Ask the job fair representative for his or her business card and send a thank you note after the fair.
Taking the time to send a thank you note is not just polite; it will set you apart in the mind of the recruiter.
Network!
Not just with the recruiters in attendance, but with professional organizations and fellow job seekers at the fair. These events are a great way to learn more about potential employers, gather information about the area job market and expand your professional contacts.
Attend with a friend.
The casual conversation between interviews will help you to relax, making you more at ease when meeting with employers. Be sure to keep your mind on the business at hand, though. Stay professional at all times and don't forget to network!

Tags: career articles & advice, career expert, job search & networking

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