Making an Impression at Your Next Job Fair

In many places, jobs are hard to come by these days. If you are like many people in New England, chances are you are at least under-employed or worse- unemployed. Finding jobs in these parts can be very difficult, especially during the fall and winter seasons. However, if you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend a job fair, GO!

These employment events are ideal for young graduates since they usually offer entry level positions. However, if you are retired or do not have a college degree, there are still great opportunities for you. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement or on the job training and will consider the right candidate.

Before you attend an employment event, you should understand the purpose. Recruiters from various companies set up at these events to represent the business they work for. They are usually there to gage your interest in their company, your qualifications and to take your resume. Sometimes, they will conduct on the spot interviews. If they feel you are a good fit for their agency, some will conduct a second interview that same day. Occasionally, one may walk out with a job. With that said, it is your responsibility to present yourself in such a way that a recruiter will be attracted to what you have to offer to their business. Here are some excellent ways to make an impression and land the job of your dreams!

PRE-REGISTER
Most employment events require you to preregister. If they do not require it, it is almost always an option- not to mention, a good idea. You can preregister by contacting the information on the advertisement or you can visit the sponsors website. This works to your advantage in two ways: first, the sponsors will have your name and contact information BEFORE you go to the event, so your name will probably be fresh in their mind when you get there. Second, they usually give you the ability to submit your resume during the preregistration process. For obvious reasons, this makes sense. The sponsor will have your resume already and chances are, other employers will have access to it. You've "killed two birds with one stone".

COLLECT BACKGROUND INFO
Choose the companies that interest you the most and focus on researching those companies before you go. Learn about the job requirements, the benefits and pay close attention to the mission statement. Ask yourself: "What do I like/dislike about this company". Chances are, if you get an interview with any of them, they will probably ask you, "Why are you interested in this company?". Try not to memorize information about too many groups because you may risk getting them confused during an interview.

GET A MAP
Fist, get driving directions of how to get to the location of the event. This sounds like common sense, but this is a typical mistake that costs people valuable time. Second, get a map or layout of the way the event will be set up. It will show which group will be located where, fire escapes (you never know!) and other vital information. This allows you to plan your time there so you can make your way around without wandering aimlessly. For some, it may even relieve anxiety!

CREATE AN OUTLINE
Think: What do I want the recruiters to know about me? Think of it as a short "infomercial" about you. Ask yourself (and be prepared to answer) such questions regarding your qualifications for the job or field, Your expectations of the company and career, relevant experience, career goals and your achievements that are relevant to the field. Practice this as a monologue (or with someone else) so you can hear how you sound. Your voice is another key factor in making a first impression because you should sound confident. This process can also show the employer how good your communication skills are- another desired trait.

RESUME
Bring copies of your resumes with you. This is helpful because there are many circumstances in which you could use these. For example, If you did not pre-register, you will want to be able to pass out hard-copies of your resume to potential future employers. Even if you did preregister, you should still bring a few copies in case you decide to visit a booth that you had not planned on visiting before. This also shows that you take the initiative by anticipating events, which is an essential job skill for most careers.

DRESS AND APPEARANCE
You've heard it said before, "First impressions are lasting impressions". It's true. Dress professionally, even if the career you are interested in does not require you to dress up. Treat this experience as a regular interview. Another great tip is to carry a portfolio or briefcase to hold the copies of your resume, including a note pad and extra pens for note taking. This is also a convenient way to carry around the literature that the employers give you while you are there.

ARRIVAL
Always arrive early to these events. If the preregistration for a specific event was to be done in person just prior to the event, you should expect to wait in line. If preregistration was done already, arrive early anyway. This provides the potential possibility to meet up with the employers you are interested in before the place gets crowded and noisy. A recruiter will usually remember the first people they meet. When it is busy, this is less likely to happen. Arriving early also allows you to become familiar with the setup so you can figure out a "strategy" of how you will make your way around to the booths you are most interested in.

NAME TAGS
Use them. That is what they are there for.

WHILE YOU ARE THERE
Get to know other people who are seeking for jobs. They may have leads or information that could be valuable to you. Don't worry, if you share information with someone else, it doesn't mean you just cut yourself short. Employers are paying big money at most of these events to promote their business...they wouldn't have gone through the hassle of setting up at the job fair if they planned on hiring only one or two people. Also, fill out applications and ask for help if you need it.

BE ASSERTIVE
Take the initiatie. Offer a firm handshake (not a limp, clamy handshake) and introduce yourself to the recruiters when you approach the table. If a picture is worth a thousand words, an handshake is worth 999.

ATTITUDE
Be positive and concentrate on the benefits of the experience instead of how crowded it is, or how loud it is or how badly the persons breath stinks that is talking to you.

TAKE NOTE OF THE QUESTIONS YOU ARE BEING ASKED
Many recruiters will ask the same general questions at these events and during the interview. Another thing you can do before you get asked yourself is to approach the table from the side. Most of the time there is a line in front of the tables, but wander to the left or the right of the booth and just pick up some of the materials that are available at the table and then step back about six feet. This takes away the idea that you are "cutting" or being obtrusive and you are just seeking information. Then, just listen to what is being asked of the people standing in line by the recruiters and pretend to answer them yourself. When you are ready, get in line and wait for your turn to speak with the recruiter.

BUSINESS CARDS
It is always a good idea to get business cards from recruiters. Remember to follow up with the employer afterward by either placing a phone call or sending a thank you card. The call or card should be short and sweet. Just mention your name and who you spoke with that day. Thank them for the information they provided you with and if you had an initial interview, thank them for taking the time out of their busy day to spend some time getting to know you. Let them know that you look forward to meeting them again in the future.

Remeber, you may not get the job that day. They may not even hire you, but if you do a good job making a first impression, they will keep your information on hand and you may be contacted later on.