What’s Fair is Fair

Just one more stone to overturn

As you navigate various scenarios for possible job opportunities, don’t overlook the job fair. Most cities have regularly scheduled job fairs in various locations (usually hotels and community centers) and many schools – especially community colleges – have job fairs as well.

Many of these job fairs are posted online. For some you may be able to register to be notified as to when they are scheduled.

Take advantage of what’s offered

There are certain strategies that you can pursue to maximize your job fair visit. Much like the job interview – which, when you get right down to it, job fairs are a series of mini-job interviews – preparation can be essential to a successful experience.

Many job fairs will make the list of participating companies available in advance – usually online. This will enable you to target specific companies that may be pertinent to your search. Knowing who they are in advance will help you to do some homework on those companies beforehand.

Note also that these pre-published listings probably will not list specific jobs but the companies usually are listed by name – and possibly even by division or business unit.

It may sound obvious, but be certain to bring copies of your resume. To ensure that you don’t run out, bring a thumbdrive with a pdf of your resume. If the fair is at a hotel, most hotels have business centers where you should be able to print more copies if needed.

If you plan to attend with a friend, it would be wise to ride solo through the fair. You don’t want to waste your time bogged down with your friend at company booths where you have no interest.

As you venture through the fair, when it’s appropriate, collect business cards from the company representatives. Write on backs of the cards if there is something noteworthy. As you proceed through the fair picking up business cards, wait until you’re ready to leave to gather company literature. All that can become cumbersome as you move around.

In the end, even if you don’t find a suitable opportunity, keep in mind that a job fair is another form of networking event. Here you have the chance to meet many individuals who, at one level or another, are in hiring mode. And you never know where these kinds of contacts may lead.

More tips.