5 Things You MUST Do Before Attending A Job Fair

Popular 5 Things You MUST Do Before Attending A Job Fair Don GoodmanJenna ArcandOctober 06, 2022 Professionals at a job fair

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Most job fairs run between January and May. When spring rolls around, things usually ramp up because most employers want job openings filled before summer kicks off.

If you are among the job seekers attending job fairs, then take down these tips to prepare for it and make the most of your time there.

Many employers have a presence at job fairs to increase brand awareness, but also to save time in the screening process. Job fairs offer an opportunity for employers to conduct initial screenings of potential candidates on the spot. Due to COVID-19, virtual job fairs have become more popular and allow employers and job seekers to meet safely, going around geographical barriers.

Employers have an idea of what they are looking for in a candidate for each job opening, so anyone who appears to make the cut can be interviewed to advance the process along right then and there.

Job seekers who come prepared will strike up opportunities quickly, so here are five things you MUST do before attending a job fair.

1. Research Ahead Of Time Woman research companies that will be attending a job fair

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There can be hundreds of companies to talk to at each job fair, but that doesn't mean you'll have the time to reach out to all of them. Research ahead of time which ones you want to approach so you make the most of your time there. (You should always have your interview bucket list ready—a list of the companies you would love to work for someday!)

When you know your targets, you can also start to customize your materials. It'll help to look at the company's website so you see what job openings they have and the requirements/job descriptions for each position.

This information can help you tailor your resume and what you communicate when you meet with the individuals at the job fair. It'll also help you write your disruptive cover letter when you formally submit your job application.

2. Plan To Approach The Employer (Even If They Aren't Recruiting For The Job You Want!) Two job seekers talk to an employer at a job fair

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Job fairs are great for networking—it's not simply about dropping off your resume. You want to start conversations with the right contacts.

If there is an employer you desire to work for, but they're not recruiting for the job you want, it's still important to go over and talk to them. You never know when the position may suddenly open up.

The contacts there may also direct you to information in regards to who's leading the department you want to work in so that you can follow up with that individual directly. It's all about connections!

The key to connecting with others is to engage in conversation. Ask insightful questions! Be someone they will remember at the end of the day or use it as an opportunity to open the door to more conversation.

3. Have Your Elevator Pitch Ready

Employers are looking to hear what you can do for them, so come prepared with a quick pitch on your skills and experience, as well as how it can help solve their problems.

Your elevator pitch is essentially your personal branding statement. It's important to know what you bring to the table as a business-of-one. If you can clearly explain how you'll add value to the company at the job fair, you'll stand out in a sea of other potential job candidates.

4. Dress Like You're Going For A Job Interview Woman on phone walking to her job

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On-the-spot interviews happen at job fairs, so dress the part and be ready with copies of your resume in hand. As you introduce yourself, be mindful of your body language, including your handshake, eye contact, facial expressions, and voice.

Employers take notice of job candidates who smile and exhibit enthusiasm. They want to see a candidate with a strong desire to work with them, not someone who's simply swinging by randomly. Some may also screen your interest level by asking common interview questions like "What do you know about us?" and "Why do you want to work for us?" So, be prepared!

5. Plan To Follow Up Man on laptop types a message to an employer

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Like a job interview, you should plan to send a follow-up note to the contacts you meet. It's a chance to help keep you top of mind and it gives you an opportunity to reiterate why you have what they are looking for. You should also send a connection request on LinkedIn for the same reasons.

Before ending each conversation, be sure to collect business cards from the people you speak with and take good notes so you know how to best personalize the follow-up note.

Approached the right way, job fairs can open many conversations and doors to job opportunities. If you do these five things, you'll be well-prepared for any job fair—and you'll definitely stand out from the competition!

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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8 Ways You're Being SHUT OUT Of The Hiring Process1-hour workshop to help job seekers figure out what's getting them tossed from the hiring processCover Letter 3 Tips For Overcoming Your Biggest Job Search FEARS Jenna ArcandSeptember 28, 2022 Work It Daily's live event "3 Tips For Overcoming Your Biggest Job Search FEARS"

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Read moreShow lessjob search fears {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Jenna Arcand","3":"live events, career events, j.t. o'donnell, jt o'donnell, christina burgio, career advice, career, career growth, professionals, job search, job seekers, job interview, job search tips, job search advice, interview, job interview tips, interview tips, job search fears, overcome job search fears, networking, cover letter, resume, writing a cover letter, job search strategy, job search help, looking for a job, unemployed","2":"cover-letter","4":"09/28/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 376490081, 562457120, 370480899, 376490053, 376489574, 376491143, 376489962, 404327439, 376489624, 479660731, 543270555, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19836096]} } Get Some LeverageSign up for The Work It Daily NewsletterEnter emailSubscribeFollow window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_multiplex', ['fluid'], 'wit_multiplex').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('wit_multiplex'); }); Popular 8 Ways You're Being Shut Out Of The Hiring Process (And What To Do About It) Jenna ArcandOctober 05, 2022 Work It Daily's live career event "8 Ways You're Being Shut Out Of The Hiring Process (And What To Do About It)"

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Read moreShow less8 ways you're being shut out of the hiring process {"customDimensions": {"1":"Jenna Arcand","3":"applying for jobs, applicant tracking system, applying online, applying for jobs online, applying to jobs, applying for a job, job search, job seekers, live events, career events, job search tips, job search advice, ats, j.t. o'donnell, jt o'donnell, christina burgio, how to fill out a job application correctly, 8 ways you're being shut out of the hiring process, job search strategy, job search strategies, job search help, hiring process, job search blues, job hunting, job hunt, career advice, career tips, career help, career, job search plan, job search success","2":"popular","4":"10/05/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 404327439, 543270555, 479660731, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19836096]} } Popular Why You’re TERRIFIED To Find A New Job (Even If You’re Completely Miserable) Ariella CoombsJenna ArcandOctober 05, 2022 Man on laptop is miserable at work

You hate your job. You find yourself complaining about it daily to your family and friends. Every Sunday night, you tell yourself that you're finally going to quit and find a new job because you just can't take it anymore. But you don't.

Instead, you go to work, come home, complain, and start the whole cycle over again. You're completely miserable in your current job, but you're absolutely terrified to find a new job. Why?

You're Afraid Of The Unknown Woman on laptop scared to find a new job

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Yes, starting a new job can be scary. You have to adapt to a new work environment, make new work friends, and even learn some new skills—and you don't know if you'll even like it after everything's said and done. What if it turns out to be worse than your last job? What if they don't like you? What if you don't fit in? What if you don't perform at the level they expected? It's similar to starting at a new school where you don't know anyone, where anything is, or how your teachers are going to be.

The truth is, starting a new job can be intimidating. You're walking into a new situation and you're not sure what to expect. The best thing you can do is get to know the company as much as you can before accepting a job offer there. Learn it inside and out, make an effort to get to know people you'd be working with over LinkedIn or coffee, and ask questions that can give you insight into the company culture.

You're Not Confident In What You Have To Offer Man on laptop scared to find a new job

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Don't feel like you've got what it takes to make it anywhere else? Afraid to find a new job because you don't want to look like an incompetent employee? If you think you're lacking the skills to succeed elsewhere, take an inventory of your skill sets. Then, compare them to the skill sets that are required for the jobs you're considering.

What are you missing? Where do you need to ramp up your skills? Do you have additional skills that could lend themselves to the job? Make a list of the skills you have and the ones you need to develop.

You're Not Really Sure What You Have To Offer Woman on laptop frustrated at work

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You need to understand what you have to offer so you can market yourself effectively to employers.

Again, go in and take a look at your skill sets. Think about past accomplishments at work. What have you achieved? What are you proud of? What problem do you solve at your current company? Make sure you quantify your work experience on your resume so employers know what you have to offer and can see the value you provide as a business-of-one.

You Don't Know What You Want To Do Next Man on laptop stressed about finding a new job

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You want to find a new job, but you have no idea what you want to do. All you know is that you hate your current job and you want out. If you're having trouble figuring out what you want to do next, you need to take some time to explore.

Research different jobs, industries, and companies. Talk to people about their work—why they like it, hate it, and what excites them about it. Take some time to figure out what interests you and what projects energize you.

You're Afraid Of The Financial Repercussions Woman on laptop miserable at work

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What if you don't get the benefits you have at your current job? What if you have to take a pay cut? What if it takes too long to find a new job and you run out of money? Research competitive salary rates using Glassdoor's salary calculator before you look for a new job. Also, research the companies you're interested in to learn about what kinds of benefits they offer employees.

It's important to understand what your priorities and must-haves are in your new job. The last thing you want to do is accept a job knowing that it won't meet your needs because it will just result in you looking for a new job in a few months. However, understand that you might not necessarily make the same paycheck as your current job. Research so you know what to expect.

If you're terrified to find a new job, you're not alone. We hope that by identifying these fears and following the tips above, you'll have the confidence and courage to look for your next job. Remember: you'll never know what you can do until you try!

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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J.T. O'Donnell reflects on lessons professionals can learn from athletes.

3 Important Career Lessons Learned On And Off The Field {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"career change, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, career, career challenges, overcoming career challenges, personal branding, personal development, professional development, professional growth, success, career success, pro athletes, tom brady, chris gronkowski, nfl, tiktok, social media strategy, social media, career growth","2":"popular","4":"02/10/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 376489962, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }

How Ex-NFL Player, Chris Gronkowski, Is Using Social Media To Change Careers {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"2010, Barstool, camera phone, career growth and development, career growth opportunities, chrisgronkowski, cowboys, dallascowboys, dinner, football, free, gronkspike, iceshaker, investor, nfl, nflfootball, nflplayer, nflplayers, nflworkout, payday, rookie, salary, sharing, sharktank, tic toc, tic tok, tick tock, ticktock, tictok, tik tok, tiktok, tiktok.com, trade, trainingcamp, upload, video, video phone, weighin, youtube.com, \u0442\u0438\u043a \u0442\u043e\u043a, \u30c6\u30a3\u30c3\u30af\u30c8\u30c3\u30af, chris gronkowski","2":"popular","4":"01/29/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }

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5 Things You MUST Do Before Attending A Job Fair

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