WORKING A JOB FAIR - TIPS TO REMEMBER

1. GETTING PREPARED

• Dress for success - suites for men, dresses for women
• Contact cards - right pocket
• Name badge - right side
• Are there specific companies you want to meet (Target Contacts)? Write them down.
• Smile a lot
• Maintain a Good Positive Attitude
• Prepare your 30 second introduction
• Read a newspaper that day
• Likeable attitude; enthusiastic, happy, positive
• Résumés in your bag, at least 3/4 of the total companies that will attend, i.e., 100 companies at the Job Fair, bring 75 résumés
• Must have a clear vision of goal and purpose - write it down

2. WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• Always arrive early - at least 30 minutes before doors open
• Get familiar with surroundings
• Walk around, look around
• Approach the hospitality desk, sign in with a smile
• Introduce yourself confidently
• Ask if certain companies are attending
• Seek out the officers/host or hostess
• Do not smoke
• Do not eat (except during your lunch time)
• Split up with your friend or associate
  

3. PEOPLE TO APPROACH

• Host/Hostess
• People you know
• People standing alone
• People who are friendly
• People who are wearing guest badges
• People who are wearing membership (Company Name) badges
• People who work in your field/related field
• Your Target Contacts

4. WHAT TO SAY

• Introduce yourself (firm handshake, direct eye contact and a BIG smile)
• Listen for their response
• Talk about the event
• Ask what they do
• Tell them what you do
• Ask them an advice question
• Listen actively and take it from there
• Remember - small talk leads to BIG talk
• Don't do business when networking
• Network for an appointment
• Offer your contact card, receive their card
• Excuse yourself quickly. Move on, meet more people
• Don't sell - build rapport
• Follow-up at a later date

5. FINAL TIPS FOR ANY JOB FAIR

• Early in the Job Fair and near the end of the event, stand by the entrance
• Spend 75% of your time with people you DON'T know
• Spend 25% of your time building existing relationships
• Don't butt in, stand close by, jump in when there is a pause
• Don't sell yourself. Build rapport. Sell an appointment
• Be aware of time - move on to next prospect
• Show interest in others and what they say
• Offer your card FIRST or give a good reason why you want their card
• Have fun - people like to be with people who are HAPPY!!!