10 DURING THE JOB FAIR • Dress professionally • Bring several copies of your resume and a pen and paper for notes • Talk with recruiters while being aware of the social cues; if a recruiter wants to continue to talk to you, do so, but if they seem to be busy with other priorities, do not talk for too long • Begin with a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact when you give your 60-second elevator speech; use a clear voice and provide the employer with brief and relevant information • Get business cards, names and contact information from everyone you interact with • After meeting someone, make a few notes about what you discussed with them • Talk with other jobseekers at the job fair • Be professional, polite and positive DISTRIBUTE YOUR RESUME AT JOB FAIRS Job fairs can be a great way to meet people, practice your interviewing skills and obtain useful contact information. Keep the following guidelines and tips in mind: 1. Most job fairs have websites. Visit these sites first and note any participating companies you’re interested in. You can then focus on those companies at the fair 2. The people you meet at job fairs are generally recruiters, not people with hiring authority. Understand that the job fair is usually just a first step to getting hired. 3. Some companies do not accept hard copy resumes at job fairs because of processing issues, so you may need to post your resume on a website or complete an application online. Be prepared with an electronic resume. 4. Some recruiters will review your resume shortly after you greet them, so make sure you know it well and be ready to discuss your qualifications. 5. Have plenty of resumes available. This way, you demonstrate having organizational skills and confidence. This is important for making a good first impression. 6. Some experts suggest having a “mini resume” on a business card. This card has contact information on one side and a list of your skills on the reverse. AFTER THE JOB FAIR Send a thank-you email message or letter to remind your contacts of who you are and any specific details you discussed. Thank your contacts for their time and ask about next steps. Make sure to organize your job fair notes and contact information. USE THE PHONE EFFECTIVELY Proper use of the telephone during a job search greatly increases your opportunities for employment. An employer needs to know that they will be able to reach you if necessary and that you will be able to have professional conversations with customers over the phone. USE YOUR HOME OR CELL PHONE NUMBER WITH VOICEMAIL Provide a phone number where you will be available if an employer calls. Most recruiters or potential employers are overloaded with resumes. An employer may not keep calling in order to reach you if your phone is not answered, so it is wise to have a voicemail system in place so that they can call and leave a message.
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