Going to a career fair can be daunting. The lines are long and there are miles and miles of booths. You go to the company booth of your choice, stand in line, and then provide your 30 second elevator speech to an HR representative who will tell you to go to their website and submit an application. Some HR representatives will also take your resume. Does not seem effective given that on a daily basis HR Departments receive hundreds, if not thousands of resumes.
Therefore, how can you make the most of a career fair?
- First of all, dress professionally. You never know who you will meet. You may even end up being interviewed
- Besides copies of your resume, bring your business cards
- Strike up conversations with the person (s) standing in line next to you. Ask them what type of job they are looking for. Most of the time you will get a friendly reception. Who knows you may get some leads. After all every job seeker has friends and family members who are gainfully employed
- When you get to the HR or company representative, smile, extend your hand, provide your 30 second commercial/elevator speech. Then ask questions about their company – types of positions, strategic direction of company, key business challenges, organization culture etc.
- Solicit advice on how to get your resume on the hiring manager’s desk. You will be surprised by tips they have to offer such as paying an in-person visit to the HR office
- Finally, if you are reading this and you are a job seeker/repository of valuable skills, best of luck finding the career of your dreams!
Finally, if you are reading this and you are a job seeker/repository of valuable skills, best of luck finding the career of your dreams!
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