12 Job Fair Tips

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Stockton's 23rd Annual HIREvent is coming next week on Tuesday, January 27, 2015. The event takes place at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. You can find more information at hirevents.com/2015-job-fair-calendar/stockton-ca-job-fair-january-27-2015. A job fair can be a good way to meet hiring managers and recruiters in your community. Here are twelve tips to help make your job fair visit productive.

  1. Dress professionally. The best advice is to dress as you would for an interview. Men and women should wear a suit.
  2. Bring more resumes than you think you'll need. Many times, candidates will ask if they can fax it or e-mail their resume later. It's always better to hand someone an actual resume. Many employers will not take your paper resume at a job fair so be prepared to complete an online application or get information on how to apply, but have paper resumes just in case.
  3. Bring business cards. Print out a handful of simple business cards with your name, phone number, e-mail address and LinkedIn profile page.
  4. Bring a pen and an extra pen. And a notepad to jot down notes. Don't take notes on your smart phone or tablet.
  5. Bring a small bag, briefcase or purse to keep your resumes nice and un-damaged. You can also stash away all of the little things from the booths - flyers, business cards, pens, mints, notepads and other information. Make sure you have a place to put all of those items so you keep a hand free for handshakes.
  6. Bring all of your application information. You should have all of your reference information with names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. and also all your past employment information.
  7. Always introduce yourself with a hand shake. Remember, keep your right hand free.
  8. Be courteous to fellow job seekers. Professionalism and civility go a long way. At the job fair you are on display for potential employers, don't get caught being rude to a fellow attendee. Plus, being courteous is simply the right thing to do.
  9. If employers are not hiring for anything that you are qualified for, ask about other opportunities and who you may contact within the company.
  10. Respect employers' time. Be brief. Stick your hand out and introduce yourself. Ask a few questions. Get your skills and experience across quickly. Look for cues that you have over-stayed your welcome. Job fairs can have a lot of attendees and the booths can be pretty busy. Keep it short. Make an impression, just not by being the one that won't stop talking.
  11. Research the job fair before attending. Find out what employers will be there and do your homework. And tailor your message, and your resume to those companies.
  12. Follow up with everyone you met by sending a thank you card or email.

Best of luck to you at the job fair.