How to successfully navigate a career fair

Whether you are a recent graduate looking for your first job or wishing to switch careers, job seeking can be a stressful experience. Career fairs bring a variety of prospective employers under one roof, making the process of connecting much easier. They give you the opportunity to explore a variety of options in the sector(s) of your interest, network with recruiters or other professionals one-on-one, and possibly secure interviews with top-choice businesses. Read on for how to make the best out of your visit.

Do your prep

As you are looking to network with the purpose of landing your next job, make sure you have updated and polished your Europass CV, as well as your LinkedIn profile or any other professional platform you might be using. If you have set your sights on a variety of industries, you might consider tailoring your resume to each one, to showcase your skill set in each of the areas you are targeting. Furthermore, practice answering some typical questions about yourself, your experience, and your current aspirations. Preparing an ‘elevator pitch’ is an excellent idea to put your best self out there and maximise your chances of getting noticed.

Pick your targets

Career expos are usually fairly large events, and it will be practically impossible to visit every stand or booth. Therefore, it makes sense to find out ahead of time who will be there. Then you can narrow your choice down to the companies that interest you the most and that you can realistically interact with during your visit. Once you have made your pick, do some background search; you increase your chances of making a lasting impression if you can demonstrate that you have taken the time to get to know a recruiter better.

Look and act professional

It goes without saying that career fairs are professional settings, requiring you to carry yourself in a similar manner. What does that mean, in practice? Dress appropriately, in the same way that you would if you were attending a job interview; if you are still unsure, keep in mind the golden rule: it’s always better to be overdressed. Moreover, practice a firm handshake and making direct eye contact with your interlocutor; these two simple things convey self-confidence and command respect.

The aftermath

Ideally, you will have walked away from a job fair with a good number of new contacts and connections in your cache. In the best-case scenario, you will have also made plans for a further discussion. It’s a good idea to follow up on those contacts within a day or two, if only to thank them for their time, dropping in a gentle reminder of your interest. If a recruiter is actively hiring, make sure you submit your resume according to their instructions within a few days of the event.

It’s true that career fairs seem intimidating at first. However, with the right preparation, they might just provide you with a convenient shortcut to the normal recruitment process. Good luck!

Convinced that attending a career fair is a good step for you on your professional journey? Browse the list of upcoming events regularly published on the European Job Days website.

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