On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 5 Ways to Shine at a Job Fair

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 5 Ways to Shine at a Job Fair During the height of the Great Recession, job fairs were a mob scene. People with 30 years of experience were standing next to recent college graduates, all clamoring for work. But as things have improved, many people don't think that job fairs are worth their time. They're wrong. Job fairs are a great chance to practice your networking skills and develop your personal brand pitch. They're the perfect opportunity for you to hone your professional persona and to learn to handle meeting new people with ease. But before you put on the business suit, here are a few things to remember before attending a job fair: Do your homework.Once you decide on the job fair, research the employers who will be attending. What does the company do? How many employees do they have? What is the mission statement? How could your skills fit into that environment? Use the Internet or call the company for an information packet before the event so that youre prepared to ask questions of the recruiter. The candidate who can move beyond, What does your company do? will be noticed. Be organized.Once youve researched the employers, keep your information in files to be reviewed before each conversation. Dont be worried if the recruiter sees your notes it will show that you cared enough to do the research and are approaching the fair professionally. Dont juggle a coat, papers, umbrella, coffee cup, etc. Carry your things in a professional tote or briefcase, and keep your coat hung up or neatly folded over your arm. Eat or drink away from the recruiter tables keep at least one hand free to shake hands and accept business cards. If there is free merchandise, dont try to keep track of that as well. If you dont have a bag to store it, leave it. Its much more important that you look professional, not like a kid at the carnival. Hone your message.You wont have much time to meet with recruiters, and they will want to hear your qualifications clearly and concisely so they can move on to other candidates. Practice your promotional message that outlines your strengths and how you could be of value to the company. Look for specific strengths. Saying youre a people person doesnt say much, but saying that you are detail-oriented and thrive on helping solve problems tells the recruiter more, especially if you can concisely cite an example. Look and sound the part.Dress professionally and neatly and make sure your breath is fresh and hair neatly combed. (Dont chew gum.) Make eye contact and always offer a firm handshake. When you speak, make sure you keep your head up and pointed toward the interviewer. Job fairs can get noisy dont shout, but project your voice clearly. Take notes and get names.Have a pad and pen ready so that you can take notes from your interview. Keep the recruiters business card with your notes, and make sure you get an address so that you can send a thank-you note after the job fair. Your notes should keep track of particular interests of the employer, the qualifications being sought and where and when you can do further interviewing.