Standing out at a career fair

If you are a job seeker, job fairs and career fairs can be your biggest dream come true! You get the opportunity to visit and interact with multiple employers all in one spot. What’s even better is that you get the opportunity to pick and choose those companies you are actually interested and plot your next move. Just before you head out though, here are few things to keep in mind:

Research the Companies

Before you visit each company you should try to do some research as to which companies will actually be at the job fair. Research each company and create a short script for each of what to say beforehand. This will take some time, but this is a sure way to get that person’s attention. This will get you noticed! Additionally, you want to have a list of 3-5 questions about the company you plan to ask.

 Market Yourself

When you visit each company, provided you have written a script to introduce yourself, you should be ready to sell yourself and your best attributes. Briefly, but confidently explain your credentials, what qualities you have that would make you a great fit for this particular company and the company’s culture. Be professional and be prepared to give examples and answer any questions that may arise.

Prepare Multiple Versions of Your Resume

Naturally you need to have a general copy of your resume on you at all times if you are applying for a job. However, if you know ahead of time which companies are going to be present, this is the perfect opportunity to show you have done your research. Craft your resume based on a solid objective(s). If you have experience in different areas of customer service, prepare a resume for each area and try to target the different companies that would match each field. For example, if one company is heavily based on telemarketing, then tailor your resume in such a way that it highlights any telemarketing experience or skills (or transferable skills) you may have. Additionally, other areas of customer service may include banking, so if you have any skills in that area, now would be a great time to shine.

Plan Your Approach

If you are intent on going to a company that has a high traffic area, it is always best to move on and come back a little later. You need to carefully plan your approach in such a way that you will ensure you stand out. It is not easy to stand out if the area is too crowded. Additionally, when you wait until things quiet down you get the opportunity to have a real one on one with the company’s representative and properly introduce yourself and ask questions.

Have Backup

Bring any additional documents i.e. a general cover letter, certifications, business cards, or anything you can think of to make you stand out and strengthen your chances of getting scheduled for an interview on the spot. Also, don’t be embarrassed to take notes while you are there. Bring a pen and a small notepad to take brief notes during your interaction while being careful to not lose eye contact with the company’s representative.

Take Business Cards

Even if your interaction lasted 2 minutes, always ask that person to give you a copy of his or her business card. Taking business cards means that you have a medium to followup with that person. Take a full 24 hours to reflect on your time at the job fair. Take each business card, the person’s name, company, and a brief description of your interaction with that person and send that person a thank you email reminding them of who you are what you discussed. Also, this is perhaps your last chance to reaffirm your interest in securing a position in that particular company. Additionally, feel free to invite him or her to meet up with you for a coffee in order for you to learn more about the company.

Job fairs aren’t as scary as some people make them out to be. Being prepared and having a positive attitude will go a long way towards helping you get the opportunity you need to make the best first impression you possibly can.