Job Fair Do's and Don'ts for Job Seekers

If you have ever been to an Employment Guide Job Fair, you probably received a copy of our 'Job Seeker Survival Guide'. It contains lots of helpful information if you're job hunting. If you get a chance to attend one of our fairs, I strongly recommend that you check it out.



Some of the following information is included in the newest Survival Guide and some is from my own personal observations when working various job fairs.

Research:
At least a month before a Job Fair, The Employment Guide starts posting notices in our publications. We try to get as much exposure as we can. About two weeks before a fair, we also start listing the specific companies who will be attending. As a job seeker, you should use this time to look up and gather information about these companies. If you have some prior knowledge of who they are and what they do, you will stand out from the crowd as someone with a genuine interest in working for them. You should also think about specific questions to ask the interviewers. Again, this shows interest. You want to do what you can to stand out from the crowd, (in a good way).

Dress Appropriately:
This should be obvious, at least I would think so, but you have no idea how many job fair attendees I have seen looking like they just rolled out of bed. It's not a 'fair' with cotton candy and rides, you're trying to get a job. You certainly don't need to wear a three-piece suit, but a 'business casual' look is appropriate here. Jeans, t-shirts, low-cut blouses, excessive jewelry, multi-colored hair, un-tucked shirts, or any type of 'fad' clothing will not get you noticed in a good way. The only impression you will give off is someone who is not taking your job search seriously.

Children:
A Job Fair is not the place to bring your children. As a parent myself, I know it may be difficult to find child care at times, however, if you're unable to find someone to watch your child for a couple of hours, a potential employer may believe you will be unable to do so if employed.

Visit Each Booth:
Take the time to visit each booth. If you don't, you may miss a great opportunity. Also, don't just drop off your resume and leave. Doing so means you have made no impression whatsoever on the potential employer. They will likely have received so many resumes that day, they will need to rely on their impressions and opinions of the job seekers later on in order to form a decision. It is possible they will pass over resumes if they can't remember anything about you. Take the time to personally hand over your resume, give a nice firm handshake, look them straight in the eye and ask pertinent, informed questions.

After the Fair:
Always make sure you get a business card or the name of the company's job fair representative in order to send them a thank-you note after meeting them. It is not only polite, but will also let the representative know you paid attention and are serious about the job. This is another way to make sure you stand out from the crowd.