What To Expect In Career Fairs, How To Land A Job 

Most universities hold job fairs on campus. It is a venue where a student can meet dozens of employers located in one place. But some students still don’t attend this event as they find it unimportant. Most of them have little to no expectation about it. But let’s break that cycle, shall we? 

In this article, we would discuss what you can get from career fairs and get hired in the process successfully.

Opportunity To Meet Employers Face-To-Face

They say opportunities don’t often come twice, but in this case, it does, and it happens every year. 

When in college, you need to grab this opportunity as it would allow you to interact face-to-face with multiple employers all in a single day. It would give you a chance to have a job waiting for you after your graduation. 

A Glimpse Of How Hiring Processes Works

College job fairs also show you how an actual job interview works. It would allow you to practice talking to a hiring manager and prepare yourself for an interview. 

You will be able to apply everything you have learned, such as introducing yourself, using proper tone, hand gestures, eye contact, and other interview tactics.

Showcase Your Verbal Skills In Person 

Job fairs also allow the student to present themselves to the employers and make a good impression. 

Yes, you might have written up a good resume about yourself, but it is still better if they can see you in person. 

It is your opportunity to stand out amongst the sea of applicants and not just become a piece of paper on their desk.

Now that you understand what you can get out of a college job fair,  it is time to talk about how you can successfully get a job from it.

Know The List Of Employers 

Don’t go into battle unprepared. The first thing you need to do is try and scope out what companies will be present at the fair. 

It is better if you pre-register as recruiters often have access to the sign-up list and may schedule a meeting with their chosen attendees.

Do Your Due Diligence

Once you’ve established who will be present, try choosing at least three to five companies that you would like to focus on. 

Start doing your research about the company’s background, learn news about them, check their social media sites and see what position the company is looking for. This way, you will be able to prepare in advance, helping you relax during the interview. 

Also, knowing things about the company is a plus as they can see that you prepared for the interview. This shows a great deal of your character.

Be There Early

For sure, you have heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” 

It applies to job fairs as there are benefits in coming in early. Aside from the fact that it is less crowded during earlier times, employers are not yet burned out from talking to many students. In addition, it gives you more time to compose yourself and become more relaxed. 

Make Sure You Are Well Prepared

As this is the time to impress your employer, make sure that you are prepared when you come into a fair. 

Ideally, bring at least ten copies of your resume. It is better to have more even when you don’t need it than have nothing to give at all. 

It would also be a good idea to bring a sample of your work to showcase to your employer. Being prepared would also show your professionalism which is something every company is looking for.

Make Good Use Of Your Time

Once you are in the interview, make sure that you don’t waste the opportunity. 

Start it with a good introduction and try to avoid unnecessary body gestures. If you have done your pre-legwork and prepared for the interview, you will have more confidence, and the interview will feel more natural. 

Do not go around the bush and go directly to the point. Highlight your strengths and tell them why you are fit for the position. It would be nice if you can relate recent news about the company and relate to your skills. Ensure that you take notes during the conversation to use them as a talking point during your follow-up email. 

As for your exit, do it gracefully and find out what would be the next step in the process. Do it so that the company would see that you are interested in joining them without sounding too needy.

So there you have it – the things to expect from a college job fair and how to nail it. Remember to put your best foot forward and show them why you are the best among the rest.