As we flip our calendars to March, many job seekers begin to set their focus on career fairs that promise to be, at the very least, a whirlwind of information from companies of all sizes and industries. Chapman University’s MORE Career Expo on Wednesday, March 11 will include more than sixty companies recruiting for jobs at various levels. The annual Recruit L.A. Alumni Career Fair on Thursday, March 19 will be filled with close to ninety companies from the greater Los Angeles area, all looking for the best and the brightest talent available. These career fairs, although incredibly valuable for meeting hiring managers and networking, can often be a frustrating and overwhelming experience for the unprepared job seeker.

Whether you’re a recent college graduate looking for the start of your professional career or a seasoned veteran on the hunt for a new opportunity, these five tips can help you improve your odds of standing out and can increase your chances for obtaining a second interview (yes, a second interview, because these career fairs are your chance to make a first impression).

Five Tips to Success at Career and Job Fairs

  1. Research the registered employers: You can get a huge advantage on the competition by doing some research on each of the companies you want to interview with. With so much information about companies on the internet, there is no excuse not to be prepared to engage the company representatives in conversation about their organization. Some career fairs will even publish the openings these companies are looking to fill. This is a great opportunity for the job seeker to do their homework and even apply ahead of time. If you’re able to apply for an opening prior to meeting with hiring managers, the career fair conversation you will have becomes the first interview. Explore our career videos on interview research and the 7 tips for researching companies for additional assistance.
  2. Take multiple copies of your resumé and consider bringing your portfolio: It is always recommended to bring many copies of your professional one-page resumé as a way to showcase your education, skills and work experience. Keep in mind that this resumé is a snapshot of you. I’ve always recommended to job seekers that you build a resumé specifically for each job you’re applying to. That may not be possible for a career fair, so a solid snapshot of your educational background, skill set and professional experience will suffice. If you are considering bringing your portfolio, it should include not only your resumé, but also a list of references and a sample or two of your best work.
  3. Dress appropriately and professionally: It seems odd to think that this is something job seekers aren’t aware of, but I feel obligated to remind you that career fairs are your chance to make a first impression and stand out among a crowd. That first impression should be that you are polished, prepared and ready to contribute to any organization. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
  4. Network with everyone: Although you will be there primarily to network with the recruiters, don’t forget to connect with other job seekers in attendance. Networking with other job seekers can be a useful strategy for sharing information about job leads, company information, or tips about the hiring practices for organizations you haven’t yet met with. You never know when relationships built with other job seekers may come back to play a role in your career.
  5. Follow up with recruiters: One of the most important things a job seeker can do after attending a career fair is to follow up with the recruiters you met and thank them for their time. You’d be surprised how many people forget about this one simple step in the hiring process, and how much of an impact you can make if you don’t forget. A thank you letter can be a powerful reminder of how appreciative you are for the time spent with recruiters. This letter should be mailed the next day to the address on the business card given to you. In your letter, thank the recruiter for his/her time and reiterate your interest in the position and restate your qualifications. It won’t hurt to include a second copy of your resume to remind the person of who you are.

Remember, the career fair experience can be a springboard to launching a successful career. The key is to be prepared, confident and most of all, be yourself. If you have any questions about upcoming career fairs, contact me by email at deovlet@chapman.edu or by calling (714) 744-7090. Good luck!