Turn a Job Fair Meeting into a Job

A sudden encounter at a job fair can turn into a new position if you are well-prepared. Do not let dozens of opportunities for employment slip from your hands without putting in your finest effort. Consider how you can make your visit to the job fair more productive to land a coveted opportunity.

Dressing for Success

Attending a job fair should be seen as a potential interview for anyone who is seriously looking for employment. Dressing professionally is one of the best weapons that you have to stand out among other job seekers. Men and women should aim for a neat, polished appearance with clothing that is appropriate for an interview. Select accommodating clothing and comfortable walking shoes to avoid a disheveled appearance after a half-hour of navigating the job fair.

Bringing the Right Materials

Carry a folder with you that has multiple copies of a great resume to distribute to recruiters and company representative. Bringing along a job portfolio that represents your personal brand and showcases your best work and accomplishments can give you an edge over the competition. Find out what companies you are interested in that are hosting booths at the job fair, and create customized cover letters to accompany your resume to snag a position.

In the digital age, don't forget to pass out your business cards as well. Networking with other professionals and company representatives during a job fair can help you gain employment, so include your Facebook or LinkedIn profile information on your business card to network through social media outlets as well. In turn, you should collect business cards and company literature from recruiters.

Considering the Job Possibilities

Many job seekers restrict their prospects for finding work at a job fair because they limit themselves by seeking employment in one particular industry or department. Job seekers who are open to working outside their comfort zones can snag a job quicker. If you are willing to try several types of work, a job fair soon becomes a field of exciting job opportunities instead of a daunting investigation for compatible positions.

Preparing to Interview

Job seekers who are not interview-ready at job fairs only sabotage themselves and their chances at employment. If you are going to a job fair, you could be pulled aside for a quick meeting with an employer, and this spontaneous interview can become a golden opportunity to get hired. Learn to sell yourself in 30 seconds or less using a strong elevator pitch to make connections with employers quickly. Before the job fair, practice interviewing with a trusted confidant or professor who can give you constructive feedback. This ensures that you are prepared to put your best foot forward if a spontaneous interview opportunity arises.

The most confident and enthusiastic job seekers are guaranteed to shine at job fairs, with those who are adequately prepared being the ones most likely to leave with potential offers. After an impromptu meeting with an employer at a job fair, follow up with a thank-you letter to show greater interest and professionalism. Doing so helps make lasting impressions with companies looking to recruit passionate employees.

Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net