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Learn How To Succeed At Career Fairs
This career article will give you some great tips on successfully navigating thru career fairs. This issue will quickly cover the following: A) Purpose of Career Fairs B) How To Best Prepare C) Tips & Strategies During The Fair D) Career Fair Follow-Up A) PURPOSE OF CAREER FAIRS Career fairs are designed to provide job seekers a way to explore career opportunities within a variety of companies at one location. Job seekers should take advantage of these fairs to be better informed about the job market. Career fairs must be a part of your overall job search process. It's a great way to learn about job openings, research companies and practice your interviewing and networking skills. B) HOW TO BEST PREPARE Here are 5 tips that can help you be well prepared: #1 - PRIORITIZE #2 - RESEARCH #3 - YOUR RESUME #4 - APPROACH #5 - APPEARANCE C) TIPS & STRATEGIES DURING THE FAIR - Relax and plan on spending time at the fair. Career fairs are not that frequent so plan your time well. Try to avoid standing in long lines. Go early if possible because the first hour is usually the slowest. - Always request business cards or at least get an email address so that you can follow-up and pursue leads. - When you get to actually talk to a company representative ? remember to shake hands firmly and introduce yourself. This is your chance to make the best first impression. - Be mentally prepared with a list of question to keep the conversation flowing. Ask about the company, the industry, what job opportunities exist, etc. Always try to relate your skills and experience to the company or jobs that may be open at the company. - Visit companies outside your industry. You will be surprised at how many companies hire in all types of professions (ie. hospitals, banks, etc.) - Visit your lower priority companies first. This way you can practice and fine tune your approach. When you are ready, then proceed to the top priority employers on your list. - Network! Talk to both employers and other job candidates. If youare standing in line, don't be shy talk to the people in line. More jobs are filled by networking than any other means. - Conduct yourself with a professional manner at all times. Employers are watching at all times. So when you are walking around or waiting in line, always maintain professionalism. - Be aware of time. Don't stand and monopolize an employer's time. Its not good for them or for you. Ask specific questions, get to the point and most importantly get the contact information for later follow-up. D) CAREER FAIR FOLLOW-UP Also its important to re-group after a career fair and evaluate your experience. Try and understand what you did right and what can be improved upon, as this will help you be more productive at the next fair. Most importantly, just have a very positive attitude. Always have a smile and thank each person you speak to for his/her time. You have something to sell and employers are there to shop around, and vice versa. This article can also be read directly online at: http://www.worktree.com/newsletter/career-and-job-fairs.html Sincerely, Nathan Newberger is the job and career expert at http://www.WorkTree.com. Nathan has over 10 years experience in staffing and human resources. He has worked both as a recruiter and career counselor. Mr. Newberger has been the Managing Editor at http://www.WorkTree.com for the past 5 years and his articles have helped thousands of job seekers.
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