5 High-Impact Strategies for a Successful Job Fair Experience

Job fairs are a common recruiting, screening, and interviewing strategy for corporate recruiters because it gives them a chance to meet face-to-face with a large number of candidates in a single day. It is here where employers can quickly assess candidates based on appearance and communication skills, as well as selling candidates on the benefits of working for their company.

With the downturn in the economy, job fairs are becoming more competitive. There are fewer employers participating and more candidates attending than ever before. Job fair events around the country have reported a 300% plus increase in attendance. This has resulted in extremely long lines to talk with employers and increased competition among job seekers.

What You Can Expect

There is good news and bad news about job fairs. The bad news? You will probably won't find your dream job at a job fair. The good news? There are still many benefits to attending a job fair:

• attending a job fair is part of a strategic job search mix
• the employer connection may result in a decent survival job
• you may speak with an employer who gives you the name and contact information of another individual within their organization
• this is a great way to make and collect important business contacts
• network with other job seekers and recruiters
• meet with multiple employers in one day
• rehearse your marketing pitch in a low-risk environment
• get valuable feedback on your resume and/or job search plan from a Career Coach or Professional Resume Writer

5 Strategies to Prepare for a Job Fair

1. Develop a Plan. The day before the job fair, visit the sponsor's website to get a list of exhibitors or employers. Go through the list and mark the employers that you "MUST SEE" versus the ones you would "LIKE TO SEE." Do some advanced research on the companies so that you can speak intelligently about their products or services during the job fair. You want to avoid approaching an employer asking them about their products or services or making a statement such as "Wow, I don’t know anything about your company," which I have heard all too often. If necessary, organize and print important information about your "must see" employers and keep it in your portfolio with your supply of professional, error-free resumes (hint, hint). Review this information while waiting in line to speak with the employer. This way when you approach their booth you can speak intelligently about their products or services. You may also want to prepare two or three strategic, high-impact questions to ask during the short three to five minute exchange.
2. Use a 10-second branding message to introduce yourself or answer common Job Fair questions such as "Tell me about yourself" and "What type of position are you interested in?" This 10-second message should be clear and concise and should focus on what you can make happen for the organization (i.e., "design and implement high-impact Employee Assistance Programs resulting in reduced turnover and retention of top talent").
3. Make a remarkable first impression. You must treat this first interaction with the same amount of care as you would the actual interview. The 7/11 Theory suggests that within the first seven seconds of meeting someone you can form up to 11 impressions of them. It is vitally important that you dress the part of a professional who is prepared and polished in his/her appearance and delivery. Pay attention to your body language while waiting in line to speak with the employer. Introduce yourself with a smile, eye contact and a firm handshake. Continue to make eye contact and to smile during the conversation. Show enthusiasm and exhibit open body language. Use respect and formality in your conversations (i.e., Yes, No, Pardon Me, May I take a pen?). Don't treat the employer as if they are your new best friend and don’t interrupt the employer or your fellow job seekers. The impression you make during that short three to five minute exchange determines the next step. Most employers will make notes on your resume regarding their initial impression of you.
4. While at the booth, try to speak directly to the employer. Avoid the "trick or treat" trap where you focus too much on the cool freebies. Ask for their business card and literature about their company. If things are too busy, make a note to come back and move on to the next employer. If you must drop off your resume without speaking directly to the employer, jot a short note on your resume that says "You were so busy that we didn't get a chance to meet. I'm very interested in talking with you."
5. Follow up on the contacts you made by sending thank you letters which emphasizes your 10-second marketing message. If you want to ensure your correspondence is read, keep it short. When you follow up again (which I recommend you do), use a multimedia approach. Snail mail the initial thank you letter, send a short follow-up email a week or so later, leave a short voicemail message a week or so later, and so on. Research them on LinkedIn and send them an invitation to join your network. The employers will be speaking with a lot of individuals so this is a great way to stand out and be remarkable.