Are you attending an upcoming career fair? Here are our top tips for preparing for a career fair.
THE DAY BEFORE THE CAREER FAIR
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Two days before, check out the exhibitor's list on the Career Fair Canada app, so you know what to expect. You should map out which booths you intend to hit in advance.
If you’ve done your homework on who’s attending the event, you should have questions prepared to ask the exhibitors.
GET PREPARED
Organization is key before a career fair event. Print plenty of updated resumes to bring with you. Pack your bag with your resumes and a working pen so you can fill out any available applications.
Want to get an idea of what opportunities will be available ahead of time? Download the Career Fair Canada app and upload the digital version of your resume and get applying.
THE DAY OF THE FAIR
DRESS TO IMPRESS
You wouldn’t show up to an interview in sweatpants or jeans, would you? A networking event is no different – your attire is the first thing a prospective hiring manager sees, so dress professionally when you are attending a career fair.
BRING YOUR CURIOSITY
Be open minded to new opportunities. While your heart might be set on finding work in your original field, you’re short changing yourself by being unwilling to explore new training or education options that could open up a new field of opportunity.
COLLECT BUSINESS CARDS
It may seem like an antiquated concept but collect business cards. You’ll be meeting dozens of exhibitors on the day of the career fair, so it’s unrealistic to expect that you’ll recall with perfect clarity who-is-who. Business cards will help you avoid any awkward encounters that may inadvertently cost you an opportunity later on.
DON’T BE DISCOURAGED IF YOU HEAR ‘APPLY ONLINE’
Make sure you get the name of the exhibitor manning the company’s booth; this is an excellent opportunity to now have a reference name to add on your cover letter when you submit your application. These contacts are powerful when it comes to setting yourself apart from anyone else that applies so make a positive impression that stays with the representative. So, network, network, network!
You may be feeling down on your luck from the lack of work, but don’t lose hope – a confident demeanour and a tenacious attitude will make you stand out to exhibitors at the career fair.
THE DAY AFTER THE CAREER FAIR
FOLLOW UP
Remember all those business cards you collected? Now’s the time to use them. Take the time to send out a professional email thanking each exhibitor for the opportunity to speak with them. If there were any specific opportunities you applied for, inquire with the recruiter next steps for securing an interview with them to discuss the position further.
If you download the Career Fair Canada app, you can still apply to any opportunities that you missed out on during the event.
-Career Fair Canada Team
