If you’re on the job hunt, one of the best things you can do is to attend a variety of job fairs. These fairs bring together companies that are looking for great employees and those who are searching for the perfect job. However, there is usually a lot of competition at job fairs, which means that you need to stand out from the crowd. How can you stand out and get noticed? Read on.
Prepare for the Fair
One of the first things you need to do to stand out is make sure you are prepared. Preparing for a specific event allows you to get clothing together that will work for the event, as well as put together your resume and prepare answers to questions. Ensure that your social media profiles are up to date. If you’re going to a specific event, you can even connect with some of the recruiters for the company ahead of time.
Even if you’re still in college or just graduated, if you’re going to a job fair or hiring event, make sure you bring some business cards, and make sure it’s a unique one. The majority of your competition is going to bring their lousy resume and nothing else. If you are able to present a business card to a hiring manager, you’re going to stand out. They will keep your unique business card, and you’re likely to get a call back. Make sure that your business cards are professional looking with all of your contact information up-to-date. If you have an online portfolio, resume, or website, include this on the card.
Research the Companies
Depending on where the job fair is being held and what type of hiring event it is, you can generally get a list of the employers that will be there. Do your research and find out about the companies you’re interested in. This will allow you to have a meaningful conversation with the people there. If you can talk about what the company does and the history, you’re going to stand out as someone who does their homework. Doing the research ahead of time can also help you narrow down your favorite companies so that you’re not floundering when you get to the fair.
Stay Interested
When you get to the job fair, you may feel overwhelmed. There is a lot going on, and there are many people you’ll want to talk to. However, if you act uninterested, such as checking your watch or looking around when talking to a recruiter, you’re less likely to get the job you want. You may stand out to the recruiter, but not in the right way.
Instead of being distracted, take some time before talking to the first company on your list. Take a look around, figure out where you need to go, and what you need to do. Make sure you give yourself enough time to talk to everyone as well.
Ask Questions
You’re at the job fair because you’re interested in a job in the industry. However, if you don’t take the time and effort to ask questions, you’re not going to stand out. When talking to recruiters, you don’t want to just list off your qualifications and tell them why they should consider you. Instead, ask them questions about how the company works, the environment of the office, etc. These questions will help ensure that you stand out. Make sure that you have done your research, as previously stated, otherwise your questions will seem silly. You never want to ask a recruiter what the company does. If you do, your resume will likely end in the trash.
When you’re up against hundreds of other people, it can be a little overwhelming. However, if you get yourself ready to stand out to the companies you’re interested in, you’re going to have a much better time at the job fair. Prepare well, and you’ll have a job in no time.
Prepare Your Ammunition with Style Resumes
In order to get noticed, your resume and business card should stand out among the rest, and your online presence should be strong as well. At Style Resumes, we have helped thousands of professionals land their dream job by crafting them an awesome resume, unique business card, attractive web portfolio, and building them a powerful LinkedIn profile.
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