Allison Harper

With the amount of online resources for job seekers, it can seem a little old-fashioned to show up at a job fair with a stack of resumes. But not only are job fairs a chance to meet directly with recruiters and apply for work at multiple companies in one day, they are a place to practice valuable interview skills and network for future opportunities.

Most cities and regions hold numerous job fairs, like the upcoming St. Louis Career Fair tomorrow, October 6. With a little preparation, you can give yourself an edge over other attendees and show up ready to impress. Here are my top 5 recommendations, based on the twenty years that St. Louis Staffing has been participating in these events:

Review the list of companies attending and research the ones that are most interesting to you. A quick Internet search will tell you the basics, and knowing a little about what they do will save you from sounding clueless when you talk to the recruiter. The last thing you want to do is ask vague questions that show you’ve got no idea what the company’s focus is. Instead of a generic, “What are you looking for?” you’ll be able to start strong with, “I know your company just went national. What qualities do you think you’ll need in the people you hire, given that you’re growing?”
Practice your elevator pitch. In a previous post I talked about the importance of briefly saying what you’re good at and what you’re looking for. You have to be prepared for the question, “So tell me a little about yourself.”
Dress for an interview, bring a stack of resumes, and put your game face on. It may feel overwhelming to walk into a huge room full of people looking for jobs, but a job fair isn’t just about making an impression once. It’s about laying the groundwork for staying in touch with recruiters, even if you don’t get the position that day.
Make personal connections. That might mean other job seekers at the fair, who will be a source of information or networking (that person may get hired somewhere and provide leads to new positions), or it might mean a recruiter who seems friendly or interested in something you have to say. Allison Green, from the popular Askamanager.com, suggests, “If there’s one particular employer you’re especially interested in, try to stop by their booth right before the job fair ends.” It may be just the time, as things quiet down, for you to thank them and remind them of your interest in the position.
Follow up afterwards. In my previous post I review the dos and don’ts of emailing and sending thank you notes. It’s also important to fill out an application for the position online, even if you’ve submitted your resume at the job fair. Many companies funnel everything through their online systems, and it’s better to make sure your application is seen, rather than landing at the bottom of a pile. Be sure to mention in your cover letter that you attended the job fair, as well as the name of the person you spoke to.
As daunting as it may be to face the job search all at once, in one place with lots of people, job fairs are not just about what happens in a single day, but about honing your skills in research, preparation, and interviewing.