How to Stand Out at a Job Fair

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Alison,
Great article. Thanks for sharing this! I think it's all about the research. Job seekers should NEVER approach a recruiting booth and ask, "what do you do?" 99% of the time, the organizer of the job fair (career services, chamber of commerce, etc.) will publish a list of companies participating. This is to your advantage! Do the research: know what the company does, where the opportunities are, what one challenge for the company might be (read annual reports, etc.) and a fun fact. The fun fact helps spark conversation.
Know before you go. When you get there, bring lots of resumes, have a great elevator pitch that is concise, and shake the recruiter's hand with confidence while looking them in the eye.
Great advice! Keep up the good work!
Kirk Baumann
www.campus-to-career.com
@kbaumann

Kirk Baumann of MO 12:46PM April 21, 2011

In regard to #12.... I've seen employers leave job fairs at lunch time. I'd recommend that you talk to employers you are interested in early and drop by later to get more face time if they aren't busy

of 3:23AM March 29, 2011

Hi Alison!
Thank you for the excellent reminders for job candidates ... in addition to job fairs, I recommend that candidates be ready for a new opportunity every day of their search by practiciing many of your tips.
I have been in business for 20 years and I create and respond to new opportunities just about everywhere I go.
Susan

Susan Fignar of IL 9:01AM March 17, 2011

I need idear in busness

Am a simple person, and never like problems in my life. of RI 9:53AM March 15, 2011

Recruiter: "What are you looking for?"
Candidate (handing her his resume) "You tell ME."

Greg of KY 9:16PM March 14, 2011

Such a good point Alison! I remember seeing people giving out creased and dog-eared copies of their resumes, and couldn't believe it! That's what people are walking away with as their only memory of you - I don't want them to remember me like that!
When I first started uni I bought some relatively tough plastic notebook covers that were deisgned to hold an A4 notebook. After I started seriously job searching, I realised they were perfect for keeping spare copies of my resume in. I invested in a great handbag that was big enough for them to fit into, and was always able to walk into interviews with a few pristine copies of my resume.

Jessica B 9:06PM March 14, 2011

Give the business cards to your fellow job seekers if you really connect with some of them. I actually hate job fairs (I'm just an admin asst so all of mine ARE cattle calls) but it seems like a good networking idea.

mouse of WA 3:59PM March 14, 2011