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MAKING JOB FAIRS WORK FOR YOU continued
What is a Virtual Career Fair?
Virtual career fairs are job fairs that are held online as opposed to in person. From your computer, you are able communicate and engage with employers in a virtual environment. As long as you have Internet access you are able to participate.
When searching for job fairs, keep virtual fairs in mind. With the same preparation as traditional fairs, “Atten- dance” at one of these fairs can really pay off!
career interests Your “pitch” should be very brief (1 to 2 min- utes) Providing this information will engage the employer, enabling you to learn more about job opportunities and what the employer is looking for while identifying and elaborating on how you might contribute to their business/organization
You’re at the Job Fair– Making Connections
How you present yourself and your ability to make connections with employers are keys to your success at a job fair Make sure that you are dressed at least business casual and that you’re ready to be forward and to interact with employers Introducing yourself and asking questions of employers can be intimidating While doing your homework and being prepared should help you shake any nerves, it’s important that you stay positive, be forward in introducing and talking about yourself, and keep your energy up Remember to show con dence and a genuine interest in the person with whom you’re speaking If you are attending the job fair with others, make sure you interact with employers on your own so that you can make an individual impression You’ll also want to attend the job fair in its earlier hours Some employers leave early due to travel
You will be meeting a lot of employer representatives at the job fair Always ask for the business card of the representative you are speaking with so that you can follow up once you leave Carry a notepad with you to take down any contact
information if employers do not have business cards and to make notes from your conversations is will be useful in following up with key employers a er the job fair
Following Up With Your Connections
Hopefully, by the time you’ve le the job fair, you have at least a few promising contacts and potential opportunities Job fairs by nature do not allow for extensive interaction is is why it’s so important to follow up with the connec- tions you make It is recommended that you email or mail a follow-up note within 24 hours of the job fair, much like you would a er an interview Also, if you come away with infor- mation on speci c positions available, alter your resume to better t the position and send the updated and customized
version to the business representative One key thing to remember throughout the job fair process is that even if an employer does not have an immediate job opening that
you qualify for or are interested in, that doesn’t mean a position will not be open in the future Making connections, even without a speci c job opening available, strengthens your overall network and can greatly improve your chances in nding a position with that employer or other related employers in the future If a speci c position is not available, stay in contact with the employer representative you spoke with Email once a month to demonstrate your continued interest and to see if new positions are available
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