Career fairs are the most effective way for a student to introduce themselves to potential employers and get useful information that may help them decide about their future plans in the field of study. If you’re asking yourself if you should go to a career fair do a little research on the employers that are going to the career fair. If there are any that grab your career interests and you match their requirements then it gives you a reason to go.
Keep in mind that not all employers go to career fairs and they are also not just limited to companies; employers from government agencies or non-profit employers may also attend, giving you a wide range of career opportunities to choose from. Also don’t forget to dress accordingly as if you were going to a job interview to show that you are able to Once you’ve found an employer that you are interested in, there comes more reasons to go including:
- Going to career fairs is the right time where you can give your first impression to future employers with your presence and personality. First impressions would also be helpful if your CV doesn’t stand among the other students
- Career fairs allows you to understand that not everything is organised by majors and many employers would accept students from different majors; you don’t have to be in a certain major to be able to work in certain organisations
- You are able to learn more about the different employers and organisations that you weren’t able to get through online research. You can also ask questions for anything that you were curious about
Get prepared
However, before you go to any career fairs, you need to do be well prepared as being prepared would show employers that you’re ready and organised. Other than doing background research on the employers that would be attending, you would also need to prepare:
- Your CV – print out a few copies to hand out during your time at the career fair, it’s never too early to show what you’re capable of doing and there is also a chance that they might even call you in for an interview on the spot
- A short introduction – employers don’t have much time in career fairs and it is important for you to give off a good first impression within the time that you have, including an introduction with basic information about yourself, what you want to do in the future, and why you’re interested
- Questions – make questions that could help you learn more about the organisation and what they are looking for in an employee. Employers look for people who are proactive, responsive and listen well. Asking questions would be another way to try and impress employers, however, don’t ask questions that you could already find the answer to
When you're at the careers fair
While attending career fairs, use your time wisely as well and explore the different booths that the employers are providing. Make sure that you keep an open mind towards the various organisations and also be reminded that not only are the employers there for you, but you are also there for them as they are looking to hire, making the environment quite serious as it’s about your career prospect. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind while at the career fair and talking to prospective employers such as:
- Body language Although career fairs mostly consist of talking and interacting between one another, it is an important fact to remember that 80% of communication is through body language. Use a good standing posture and eye contact when communicating but also avoid standing too close as that would invade personal space
- Be Clear and Engaging Show that you are interested in the conversation and also have a positive attitude. Stay on topic and make sure that you are listening as career fairs tend to be noisy, make sure you don’t get distracted and speak clearly and confidently
- Have a Game Plan Don’t just walk around aimlessly during a career fair, but instead have a list of the employers that have grabbed your attention while you were researching them and have a plan on how to get to them efficiently
- Be Confident Be confident so you can prove to employers that you’re ready for the position. To have confidence in what you do and what you can do will show that you know what you want do when comes to your career prospects. Tell them about your experiences, skills and interests that would grab their attention and show that you are ready for what they offer