Job Fairs

Large and small companies use job fairs as a great opportunity to seek out potential candidates. These fairs are usually promoted in the local paper. If you are searching for a job then you should take advantage of these as it may be your chance of getting the job you have always dreamed about.


Job fairs are usually free to enter so you don't have to worry about paying a fee. These are also a great opportunity to learn more about the company. What you will find will be workshops and presentations made by different companies that are actually recruiting. This is also a great way of finding out whether you have the right skills and qualifications for the jobs being offered or if you would like to work for that company.


To make the most of job fairs you should plan in advance. Here are a few tips:


• Bring plenty of copies of your current resume as there will be plenty of exhibitors. When you strike up a conversation with a company representative present them with your resume at the end.
• Take a pen and notepad with you and jot down any interesting facts and requirements you think will be useful if you need to do a follow up.
• Make the point of visiting every company you can. The more you visit the more chances you will have of landing that dream job. Ask questions about the company before telling them about you.
• Make sure you collect a business card from every company that you have a conversation with. This is useful if you want to follow up with a letter or a phone call. Companies rarely hire someone on the spot at job fairs. Their main purpose is to collect lots of resume's and then arrange meetings with potential candidates.
• Make an effort to nail down a meeting with a few employers if you can. Be sincerely interested in the company and what they can offer. If you show real interest and enthusiasm they are more likely to arrange a meeting to discuss potential opportunities.
• Make sure you're dressed smartly. Even though it is not a job interview if you turn up without making the effort to look tidy and presentable then you will certainly not make a good impression.
• After the fair read through the notes you made and assess each company that you talked with and see what the potential is. Do further research on the best companies and the industries and become familiar with it you never know, a letter or phone call could be coming your way. Be prepared.