Job Fairs: Worth your Time?
Career fairs are crowded and interview chances are slim, but all the big companies are there… so are they really worth attending?
The answer, as usual, is that it depends. It depends on what type of position you are looking for, what kind of recruiters are attending and what your career goals are. Here are some arguments for and against the job fair to help decide the right answer for you.
Are there hiring managers there? If yes, go! Hiring managers can conduct meaningful interviews on the spot, and have a say in the hiring decision. Practice your interview skills and make one-on-one connections with employers in your industry. There are lots of networking opportunities here – the connections you make may land you a job later. Focus on the booths that have less traffic, so you have an opportunity for a conversation. Follow up by email or a LinkedIn request by referencing a topic you discussed.
These days more and more companies are sending representatives to collect resumes or simply direct candidates to apply online. Don’t bother visiting these types of booths at a career fair: your paper resume has a good chance of being lost in the pile. Instead, visit an online job board, like HireGround Careers, and get your resume in electronically.
If you are new to the area, or recently graduated, a career fair can be worthwhile. It is a way of researching the organizations in your industry and learning which jobs are in demand.
Final tip: Dress for an interview, so you are prepared if there is one on the spot. You will leave a good impression by dressing professionally, as this shows you are serious about your career.
