A job seeker recently told me about his disappointing job-fair experience. He’d expected to be interviewed and possibly leave the job fair with an offer. When that didn’t happen, he left the job fair feeling let down and thinking twice about attending another one.
His experience wasn’t uncommon, and it happens for two reasons. First, many people mismanage their job-fair expectations. And second, people miss what I call the “hidden side” of a job fair.
The hidden side of a job fair is the opportunity job seekers have to research many companies in one place and learn more from their fellow job seekers.
Think about how many employers are represented at this one gathering. The chance to meet a company representative is greater than applying offsite.
Working the hidden side of a job fair requires you to manage your expectations in a realistic way. Just because an interview did not take place at the event does not mean your background would not match other positions the employer may have in the future.
Your job is to gather research and ask good questions of represented employers and fellow job seekers standing in line.
The networking that takes place at a job fair is often overlooked. Job fair participants trade leads and share information as they are walking the exhibit halls.
Here are some ways to work the hidden side of a job fair:
1. Make the most of your time with employer representatives by talking about the company’s needs and the next steps in the recruiting process.
2. Do your homework before the event. Check newspapers, professional publications, newsletters, online sites for advertised time/dates of the job fair and mentions of employers that will have booths.
3. Build a bridge between your background and skills that could be of value to employers at the fair. Prepare how you will introduce yourself and what type of skills match employers’ businesses.
4. Collect business cards, and follow up with employers after the fair.
5. Develop a set of questions for recruiters and for fellow job seekers standing in line.
6. Never underestimate the power of informal networking. You never know who you will meet.
7. Put a job fair where it belongs — it is part of your overall job search plan.
Keep your eyes and ears open to related possibilities, and avoid thinking like everyone else.
How have you made the most of a job fair?
