How you can stand out (in a positive way) at a career fair?

A career fair brings job seekers and employers together in a forum to connect, although they do so for different reasons. Employers participate to promote their companies/organizations, screen potential employees, and identify viable candidates. Job seekers participate to learn more about companies/organizations, promote themselves as candidates, and make valuable professional connections. Although career fairs feature competition for both employers who are seeking great candidates and candidates who are trying to land jobs, in many cases job seekers feel more pressure when attending these events. It’s important for a candidate to make a good impression, as an employer will use the exchange to make an initial hiring decision. How can you stand out, in a positive way, at a career fair?

It is imperative to prepare effectively! As a former hiring manager who recruited at career fairs, I could detect a candidate’s lack of effort in preparation immediately and would eliminate that person from further consideration. It was a sign of that person’s character and work ethic, and we sought to hire motivated and fully engaged candidates. Prior to a career fair understand what kind of position(s) you are seeking and how you are qualified in terms of your skills and experience. Based on what you determine, research the employers that will be in attendance and determine which ones you want to target and why. One watch-out is never walk up to an employer and ask the representative what the company does! Craft an effective resume and print copies that you can distribute to employers. Your application materials should connect directly to those target employers in terms of company or industry initiatives and positions for which they are hiring. Prepare your elevator pitch, which is a 30 to 60 second talk you will give to a potential employer that outlines your skills, experience, interest in the position or company, and how you can bring value to the organization.

Now it’s time to strategize! Create an A-list (employers you definitely want to engage) and a B-list (employers that interest you but aren’t your top priority). Pro tip – Keep an open mind when it comes to engaging employers; take the time to explore a potential employer’s fit with your values and career goals before ruling them out! Determine how long you will be in attendance, and calculate approximately how many employers you’ll be able to speak with at the fair. Identify what you will wear and prepare the outfit at least one day prior to the event. Remember to dress professionally and practice good hygiene to make a great first impression.

Next comes the execution phase. Since you did your research and prepared essential elements such as your resume and elevator pitch, know that you should be able to walk into the career fair with a degree of confidence. When you arrive at the event, take a moment to compose yourself. Check your outfit and overall appearance, and make sure you have copies of your resume, a portfolio that contains a notepad, and a pen or pencil with which to take notes. Smile and have a positive attitude! Engage some of your B-list employers to warm up, practice your elevator pitch, and become familiar with the career fair environment. Then move on to your A-list target employers. As you speak with employers, make sure you learn more about the companies and potential positions, then explain how you are a fit given your skills, experience, and interests. Ask insightful questions that will illustrate you’ve done your research and understand their needs, plus allow you to gain critical information for your decision process. Remember, to find a good career fit you should be evaluating potential employers just as they will be evaluating you! Listen carefully to employers, especially their questions, and answer their inquiries directly and succinctly. Take notes after you speak with employers and request a business card so you’ll have accurate contact information.

That brings us to the next, perhaps most critical step, your follow-up. Once you’ve made a connection with a potential employer, you should follow-up with a customized thank you note that references something specific about your candidacy and/or conversation. Professional connections aren’t valuable if the other person forgets all about you when you walk away! Email is most appropriate given technology and the speed of life these days. If an employer directs to you a specific application process, follow directions carefully and submit the information requested. All follow-up should take place 24-48 hours from the time of engagement. Stay in touch with each employer as appropriate.

Many job seekers expect career fairs to deliver jobs for a minimal investment of time and energy on their parts. Due to the complex and competitive nature of the job market, that is not the case. It takes effective preparation, execution, and follow-up to stand out from your competition and make a positive impression on employers in a career fair setting.