For job seekers though, it takes more than a nice suit and killer resume to make an impact. Heck, everybody has that. In fact, just because your resume is loaded and you are dressed to impress doesn't mean you will find your dream job! It's a good start, but not good enough. Whether you're a salesman or not, you have to sell yourself.
"Having the opportunity to talk to employers face-to-face is such a huge advantage, but most don't use it to its full advantage," said Wade R. Hyatt, Career Fair Director for the Murdock Group, a Murray, Utah-based firm that specializes in career transition, outplacement and corporate training. "I've been to job fairs all over the country and people act as if they don't want to talk to anyone at all," Hyatt added. "They just throw their resume into the basket on the table and scurry away like they've just committed a crime and don't want to get caught fleeing the scene."
Recruiters aren't rolling out the yellow tape to keep you out, they are here to find candidates to fill job openings, it's that simple! Next time you're at a career fair, use these tips to stand out from the crowd and make your next career fair your last! Here's how:
- Research the companies you are interested in before you go and find any information about their job openings, standing on the stock market, recent product launches, even their competitors. The more you know about the company, the better your conversation will be, and the better prepared for the job you will look.
- It's a mad house! Expect a frenzied environment packed with job hunters hoping to impress, but don't be overwhelmed. Instead, review your plan and circle the companies you want to visit. If you are nervous, visit with less attractive companies first, this will help you gain confidence and perfect your marketing routine.
- Be efficient. If you see a booth that has a lot of people at it, don't sit back and wait for your turn to talk to the recruiter. Listen to the pitch the recruiter is giving and listen to the questions other job seeker's are asking. If the subject matter is what you are looking for, feed off that. If you're not interested, you can move on to the next booth and save time and energy.
- Don't judge a booth by its cover! "Some of the best opportunities I've seen at job fairs are at the booths that don't have the nicest looking display," Hyatt added. If no one else is present, this is a great opportunity to talk one-on-one with the recruiter. Plus, you stand a better chance of being remembered because you stopped by to talk when no one else would.
- Network! And we don't mean with just recruiters. Talk to other job seekers about their companies, exchange business cards and ask about openings. Share resources, leads and ideas. The best jobs are sometimes not publicized, and the guy right next to you in line might be as knowledgeable about a job lead as the recruiter in the booth in front of you. If a company doesn't have what you are looking for, don't be afraid to ask recruiters if they know of other companies that are hiring someone with your skills. Recruiters talk, they know who is hiring. Ask for referrals and contact names if possible.
- Follow up! Get a business card and contact information from everyone you talk with. Even if you don't see a potential opening with a company, you can use it as a reference in the future. Send a thank-you letter as soon as you can, and initiate a pro-active approach. Reiterate the nuts and bolts of your conversation, and indicate you will call them in the future to set up an interview. Chances are, you'll get the formal interview you are looking for.
- Recruiters attend career fairs with a purpose, so should you. Be prepared,bring numerous copies of your resume and be ready to sell your self. If you do,your next career fair could very well be your last!
