Getting a fair job

Arrive early to scope out the place and avoid getting flustered. From your preparation, you would have worked out a priority list on companies. At the fair, you will see a layout plan for the company booths at the entrance — if not from the fair website, already. Readjust your plan accordingly based on logical layout, so take a note of it.

With this plan, start making your way through the booths. Avoid just picking up brochures and dropping off your CV at booths. Take time to talk to your selected employers. If it is not yet your time to talk, take the opportunity to listen to what others are asking the recruiters, you will often get very sound advice and good insight into the company.

Should you be able to meet the recruiter personally, show enthusiasm and interest. Give a firm handshake, maintain eye contact and run through your prepared “pitch” for yourself. Let the employers know that you’re serious about seeking out opportunities with them and take the opportunity to get answers to the questions you prepared.

Use your research to appear confident and knowledgeable about the company. Recruiters are often impressed with people who have done their homework — it shows conscientiousness and motivation. The question to avoid is, “What do you do?” If you have to ask, the recruiter will feel that you’re just wasting their time. Instead, ask questions about the opportunities available, what they are looking for in a successful candidate, what the recruitment process is etc. (It is too premature to ask about salary.) Be prepared to discuss what exactly it is you are looking for in an opportunity, where you are willing to work and what your most relevant skills are. Use the short time you have with a recruiter to give them as good an impression of you as possible and get as much valuable information out of them in return.

Ask they if are accepting resumes, and if so, leave yours with them. Before you leave, pick up any company recruitment brochure available and make sure you also get the recruiter’s business card as you will want to follow up.

During the entire job fair, you will likely be waiting in line at various points in time. If so, use the opportunity to network with others. Finally, leaving the fair is not the end of the entire process. Your post-fair actions are just as important as during the event. With the business cards you have collected and the notes you have made, you should write or email personal “thank you” notes to each of the recruiters you met. This is not only courtesy, but gives the recruiter the impression that you are really serious about the opportunity and that you appreciated their time. Make note of any particular conversation you had about the opportunity and that will really put you on top of the pile! With that, you’re ready to rock and roll!