Recently in Career and Job Fairs/Expos Category

Tony writes:

I will be attending a job fair to seek employment opportunities in human resources. I have a few questions regarding this job fair to ensure I am as successful as possible.

First, I sent an e-mail to the point of contact for the job fair and asked for an advanced list of the employers who will be in attendance. My purpose was to do some research on each employer so I could be more knowledgeable when I spoke to their representative. However, I was told at the request of their company sponsors, (as to avoid massive “pre job fair calls” to participating companies) they were are not at liberty to release that information to me. What should I do?

Second, regarding resumes and cover letters, should I include a cover letter when I provide copies? If so, how should I address them if I don’t have a specific name to address it to. Other research has told me to never address to “To Whom It May Concern.” Should I print them on official “resume” paper and place in a “resume” folder to hand out?

The Career Doctor responds:

I always appreciate job-seekers who do their research, and I applaud you for your diligence in trying to make a positive impression at this job fair.

To your first question. I find it extremely odd — and a bit worrisome — that the job-fair organizer would not provide you with the list of organizations attending. Seems kind of shady to me. You are absolutely correct in your belief that it’s important to conduct research on the prospective employers so that you can stand out from the crowd at the job fair. That’s just one of many strategies job-seekers can undertake to help guarantee success. I would either try calling back and talk with someone different or see if the job fair has a Website. While it’s true employers don’t want to get bogged down with phone calls, all want informed job-seekers, and ideally, most of these organizations have Websites where you could conduct your research.

To your second question. No need for cover letters at job fairs — and yes, never address a cover letter to whom it may concern. If you get the list of employers, the ideal scenario is to tailor copies of your resume to each employer, also taking along some copies of your generic resume in case there are last-minute additions to the hiring companies there. I think most employers are fine with getting resumes on plain printer paper, but if you want to stand out, a heavier weight paper often does make a nice first impression — and that’s especially important at a job fair. No need for a folder because all the resumes they collect will go in a pile (or two), but do be sure to have them in a portfolio or folder before you present them so that they stay as pristine as possible.

Find more advice and resources related to job and career fairs in this section of Quintessential Careers: Job Expo and Career Fair Resources

Kathryn writes:

I recently went to a job fair seeking a position which was exactly what I have been looking for, and matches my background perfectly…. However, after a preliminary interview I was told I would get a call the next day (No call, two business days have passed).

Afterwards I felt I did not do my best. Although my background is exactly what they were looking for, there was also an aptitude test and a personality test, and I get anxious and start over thinking every little thing.

That said, I have since learned this same company is holding another job fair this week for the same position. Do I forget about it and cut my losses, or do I go back only this time better prepared? I don’t know that the same recruiter will be present at this up coming job fair.

The Career Doctor responds:

There are several issues here and let me see if I can address them all.

First, you — and all job-seekers — really need to learn the importance of follow-up. Just because an employer tells you they will contact you at some point in the future (and then doesn’t) does not necessarily mean bad news. So, pick up the phone and call the employer and ask where your application stands. It is that simple. And two days is nothing in this current extended job-search cycle.

Second, did you send a thank-you note after the job fair? Not doing so may not have cost you a call back, but doing so gives you an edge over many other job-seekers. Always write a thank-you letter as quickly as possible after the interview, but even a couple of days later is still okay.

Third, aptitude and personality tests are certainly trendy these days, and it is a possibility that whatever you scored did not match the “type” that they hire. But you have no way of knowing this information unless you follow-up. There really are no wrong answers on these things, so next time, just relax and do not over-think your answers.

Fourth, why not go to the job fair? If you see the same recruiter there, it’s the perfect situation to say that you hoped s/he was there so you could follow-up in person and ask about the status of your application. If it is a different recruiter, build rapport first, but then mention that you had applied for a position and were waiting for a call back.

Remember to read: Follow Up All Job Leads: Don’t Wait by the Phone (or Computer), published on Quintessential Careers.

And get the scoop on the importance of thank-you letters in this article: FAQs About Thank You Letters.

Susie writes:

I’m attending a career fair next week and really want to know the best way to prepare as this is my first one and I want to be successful at it.

The Career Doctor responds:

Career fairs are pretty cool events because both employers and job-seekers are there for a very clear purpose. Employers are trying to gather and screen a large pool of applicants and job-seekers are there to seek new opportunities (either directly or through networking).

There are activities you should be doing before, during, and after the fair.

Before the event, get information on the organizations attending the career fair, choose the ones that most interest you, and conduct research so that you know a little something about all of them. Polish your resume; I even suggest making a specific version for each targeted organization. Work on your interviewing skills by reviewing common interviewing questions and/or conducting mock interviews. Whenever possible, get one nice suit for interviewing — in a conservative style and color. Oh, and if you are prone to sweaty palms, be sure to pack a handkerchief or something else (other than your suit) to wipe your hand. Finally, work on your elevator speech — a 15 to 30 second mini-bio that explains who you are, what makes you unique, and the benefits you will provide. Finally, whenever possible, try and get a good night’s sleep the night before.

At the event, first survey the layout of the fair and then head to your top organizations. As you approach the recruiter, remember to smile, make direct eye contact, and offer a dry and firm (but not crushing) handshake. Your goal in the short time you have is to build rapport with the recruiter — so that you will be positively remembered out of the hundreds of candidates — but remember that you also need to gather more information to judge whether the organization is right for you. Do not overstay your welcome; if you see the recruiter looking over your shoulder at the line behind you, it’s probably time to move on. Make sure you get a business card — or at least key contact information (including the proper spelling of the recruiter’s name). And if you really want to stand out, ask the recruiter if there is anything you can do for him or her, such as getting a beverage from the refreshment area; thoughtfulness is a powerful thing.

After the event, sort through your business cards and other contact information and write thank-you notes or emails. And don’t forget to follow-up with each recruiter about two weeks later to see where things stand. Because you may have a number of contacts, you might want to consider developing a system — such as a job-lead log — so that you have everything right in front of you.

Get more details of all these activities in my Career Fair Checklist, published on Quintessential Careers.

Find lots of career fair articles and tools in this section of Quintessential Careers: Job Expo and Career Fair Resources.

Colby writes:

I was invited to a job fair at the end of the week and am extremely excited but nervous as well. I have never been to a job fair, so I am unsure what to expect. The fair is for entry-level, ticket-sales positions within the 12 Major League Soccer teams around the country.

The biggest problem I want to address is how to distinguish myself from others in such a short, more informal than a 1-on-1 interview, setting in such a short time. I am interested in all 12 teams in various locations, so I am extremely open to any suggestions.

The Career Doctor responds:

Job fairs are great tools for job-seekers to make contacts — and possibly make good enough first impressions to be called in for an onsite interview with one or more prospective employers.

And you are absolutely correct - you need a strategy for success.

The first thing you need to do is know everything possible about the requirements and expectations of ticket-sales employees. What are the key skills these folks need?

Second, you need is information on each of the teams. You need to have information on each one, partly to decide if you really would work for any of them and partly to showcase your knowledge.

Third, you need to do is choose your top teams and plan your job-fair strategy.

Fourth, you need to do is plan your sales pitch. Some experts refer to such a pitch as your elevator speech — the same amount of time you have to sell yourself to someone you meet on an elevator. While the basic pitch may be the same, you will want to tweak it some based on your research of the teams. Your elevator pitch tells the recruiter exactly why you are better than all the rest of the folks at the job fair.

You also need to make strong eye contact, smile, and have a firm handshake. You should try and establish rapport — even if just for that short time.

Finally, be sure and get each recruiter’s business card (contact information) — and then write a strong follow-up thank you note to each one of them.

Read more about job fair strategies in my article, The Ten Keys to Success at Job and Career Fairs.

Catherine writes:

I am unemployed and trying to get temporary work to stay marketable and pay my bills until the right full-time position is offered to me! I plan to attend a career fair for sales/marketing jobs and want your input on how to sell myself as a potential temp, part-timer, freelancer to get my foot in the door for full-time employment. How do I come across as not desperate when my unemployment will be running out in a month or so and I need to start a job right away?

The Career Doctor responds:

First, let me reinforce the positive steps you are taking. You are attending career fairs, talking to temporary-staffing agencies, and are flexible about taking a temporary job as a stepping stone to a career change and a more permanent position.

When you work for a temp agency, you are assigned to go out and do various kinds of work at client companies for varying lengths of time — as short as a few hours, a few days, a couple of weeks, all the way up to several months or longer.

Job-hunting is tough. The current job market is still quite frustrating. We’ve seen a lot of new job creation, but many of them are lower-wage positions. But guess where the other new jobs are? They are temporary positions, as businesses hedge their bets on whether they need to re(hire) more full-time permanent employees or meet the increase in demand with temporary positions.

Not only do you need a job to pay your bills, but you also need the necessary experience to make your career change into marketing and sales… so, the key is finding the temp agency that has the types of clients and jobs that fit your needs. Most communities have numerous staffing firms, so call around and find the one that best fits you.

And when you attend career fairs or go on interviews, the key is to sell yourself — your unique mix of education, accomplishments, and (transferable) skills. Don’t think about your benefits running out, don’t think about whether there could be more qualified job-seekers out there. Instead, focus on the positive. If you are desperate, employers will spot it a mile away.

Once you get placed on a temporary assignment that you enjoy, your next step is working your way to a full-time offer from the employer. You can attempt to accomplish this feat by becoming invaluable, by networking with co-workers and bosses, and by taking advantage of every opportunity (to shine) that comes your way.

Find lots of great resources, including several articles on temping, in this section of Quintessential Careers: Temping Resources for Job-Seekers.