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Career Fair Tips: Standing out in the crowd
Searching for a job can be a job in of itself. And starting with career fairs can feel like you are in the thick of the rat race.
Competition can be stiff, and one article points out how important it is to stand out in the crowd. It could mean the difference between leaving with a job opportunity, or leaving empty-handed.
How do you differentiate yourself from the other candidates? Career fairs are supposed to be part of the informal interview process, a way to explore companies and opportunities in a group setting. But you should still treat it as the first impression for a potential employer.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always bring multiple copies of your resume.
- Dress professionally, as if going to a sit down formal interview at an office.
- If possible, conduct research before hand about the companies that will be attending the fair.
- Have questions ready. This may be the best opportunity to find out if the companies are a right fit for you as an employer.
- Stay engaged. Career fairs can be exhausting, but try to keep you energy level up as much as possible to stay enthusiastic.
- Pick up business cards from those who you meet. You might not have the chance to spend a lot of time with the companies you are interested in and will have to set up a time for a follow up. Make sure you stay in contact with those you meet by collecting business cards and sending thank you/reminder notes about your expertise.
Good luck or your job search!
Posted by Steve Wajda on April 24, 2008 at 4:54 PM
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Comments
Remember that while the setting is "informal", nothing about your approach should be. Act and interact as though you were under constant scruitny. Although your best friend may be there, leave the frat house playfulness back at the dorm.
As for your resume (my specialty), be sure you carry them around in a nice, up-scale looking portfolio, not a manilla folder. Let recruiters know you're taking your search seriously.
Most of all, guys ... POLISH YOUR SHOES! Ask any woman and she'll tell you that you can dress "to the nine" all you want, but they can see right through that façade by looking at your shoes. Invest in a nice pair and keep them buffed-n-polished.
Posted by William Mitchell, CPRW on April 26, 2008 7:29 PM