How to Make the Most Out of a Career Fair

By Patricia Grannum

Jan 26, 2012

Success at a career fair lies in effective preparation. If you go in with the right strategy, you should leave a career fair with plenty of job prospects

Before the event:

· Do your research. Being choosy about the events you attend will only work to your benefit. A job fair that doesn’t fit your skills, knowledge and experience probably isn’t worth your time.

During the event:

· Don’t worry about meeting every employer there. Create a list of the employers that match your professional goals and interests.

· Be careful not to overlook smaller companies These can provide great career opportunities and may be attracting a lot less competition.

· After you’ve met with the companies that are on you

r list you can, if time allows seek out additional companies.

· Make sure that you stand out: Prepare for the event as if you were getting for multiple in person job interviews that are happening on the same day.

· Reach out to the people in your network their thoughts about the companies you’re targeting. Find out these companies’ present priorities and think of a few questions that demonstrate what you know about them.

· Wear the same clothes normally would for an interview and prepare a résumé that specifically targets each of your top choices.

· Practice your professional pitch: Before the event, practice a brief pitch that establishes who you are, your skills and specialties and how you can add value to the company.

· Lose the crew: It’s might seem like a good idea to go to a job fair with a friend for moral support However, you wouldn’t bring them to a regular job interview so why would you bring them with you to a job fair. Keep in mind that your goal for the day is to stand out and make new connections.

· Use every opportunity: While you're standing in line to meet an employer introduce yourself to people around you. It's a great way to practice your pitch, to build your network and assess your competition.

After the event:

· Keep in mind the job fair isn't over once you leave the venue. When you get home, be sure to send your new contacts a brief thank-you email that remind them of what what you can offer their companies. Remind them of any distinguishing points you discussed.

A job fair can seem like an event that’s completely out of your control. If you approach it like it’s a chore that you have to go through for a chance at getting a job then it won’t really benefit you.

But if you’re choosy and straightforward about the parts of the event you can control, you’ll make the most out of the event and it will have a positive impact on your job search.

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How to Make the Most Out of a Career Fair