A career fair can benefit you in a number of ways. It gives you the opportunity to obtain information on companies where you can obtain a position to advance your career. It also helps you expand your network and gain good contacts. Make sure that you maintain a checklist if you want to make the most of a career fair. Before The Fair: -Make your participation known all the companies involved.
Gather information about the career fair. Visit its website and pre-register yourself. Make a list of the companies and employers attending the fair.
This list will help you to access the companies you are interested in. -Once you have the list, sort out the top ten companies that interest you and do some research on them. Gather information on their location, functions and management. Read about their current market value and projects.
-Prepare an error-free and well-documented resume. Get it photocopied on good resume paper as you may require multiple copies for distribution. If you have a reference list, then make sure that you have extra copies of that as well. You can also carry personal or business cards, highlighting your work and achievements.
-Make a list of any questions that you want answers to. Prepare yourself to answer questions regarding your qualifications, strengths, experience, interests and career objectives. -Dress well and have a professional look. -Do not forget to carry a pen and a small notepad. At The Fair: -Make sure that you feel confident enough to face any type of question.
Recruiters view each candidate as a prospective employee. Any show of nervousness or lack of confidence can reduce or even eliminate your chances of getting a good job. Display good communication skills and do not forget to maintain eye contact throughout. -Once you enter the fair, conduct a quick survey to ensure that the environment is suitable for the execution of your strategy. -Try to establish a good rapport with every employer you meet.
Do not forget to collect business cards to expand your network. Remember to state all personal details before you leave any employers' booth. -Keep a record of every employer and the information exchanged with them.
This will make it easy for you to figure out if you need to have any future correspondence with them. -Ask questions that are relevant. Do not ask about salary or benefits immediately. If you are an undergraduate, then you can make inquiries about internships or scholarships available. After The Fair: Give yourself an edge over the other candidates by following up with the company executives once the fair is over.
You could send thank-you notes to the employers, thanking them for investing their time and interest in you. If they have provided you with job search advice then you can thank them for that as well. Send a letter to the employer if you have not received a reply to your application. You should make a casual and polite inquiry about the status of your application.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
