Career Advice By Randy

What You Must Know About Career Fairs

Career fairs can be an excellent place to network, apply for positions and find a new career path. They can also be overwhelming and confusing – especially if you are not prepared. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the fair are the first steps towards a successful experience.

Some career fairs are industry specific while some are general in nature.  Whenever possible, attend fairs that are specific to your industry.  You are less likely to find positions that fit your specialty and experience at a general fair. That being said, first time job seekers who are just starting out often have great success at more generalized fairs. Be sure to understand what kind of fair you are attending and how it fits into your career goals.

While preparing to attend the fair, carefully review your resume. Have it proofed for spelling and grammar errors and print multiple copies out on high quality paper. It is also a good idea to have business cards or some other form of contact information prepared to distribute as you meet with various employers. 

Remember that, in some sense, a job fair is much like a first interview. Your appearance should be professional. Wear professional dress, not business casual attire, and properly groom yourself for the event. The old adage, “you never get a second chance at a first impression,” speaks volumes here. A career fair is much more than a place to hand in resumes – it is an opportunity to sell yourself and appearance counts.

Finally, career fairs are an excellent place to network. Meet with employers in your field, even if they do not currently have open positions that suit you.  Hand out contact information and resumes, speak knowledgably about your field and strive towards making an impression. The goal here is to make that potential employer remember you when a position does open up.

Career fairs are an excellent opportunity to continue your job search. They are also a great way to gain recognition among potential employers.