How to Prepare for a Job Fair

[Noor E Alam]

Attending an event with lots of people you don't know can be challenging, especially if you're not the most outgoing person in the room. But it's essential to move your career along the path you want. But don't worry, with a little preparation and practice, you'll be able to introduce yourself in a professional – and close to stress-free – manner.

If you know exactly what you're going to say and how you're going to say it, it will be much easier to connect with a recruiter. Review these tips for making a great first impression, and you'll be well on your way to getting the most from the job fair.

How to Introduce Yourself at a Job Fair
Take the time to prepare. Don't wing it and walk into a career fair without having done anything to get ready. If you have time, consider ​getting a business card made up with your contact information. Make sure your resume is current, give ​it a quick makeover if it's not, and print out copies so you have it ready to hand out to recruiters.


Research the companies. If there's a list of participating companies online, check them out to see who you want to meet with. If you have a priority list of employers you'd like to connect with, you'll be able to take your time working the room and introducing yourself.

What to bring. A portfolio is a great way to hold everything you need to bring. Another option is a large purse, small briefcase, or a messenger bag. Be sure you can easily get your materials out of it to share with recruiters. Bring 20+ copies of your resume and a stack of business cards, if you have one. Also bring a notepad and pen to jot down names and facts you want to remember.

Have questions ready. Have a list of questions you want to ask, so you're not fumbling for what to say. If time permits, check out company websites in advance so you're familiar with the participating employers. Review this list of the best questions to ask at a job fair and personalize your own list of questions to ask.

Have your elevator pitch ready. An elevator pitch is a quick synopsis of your background and experiences. Get yours ready in advance and practice saying it. Recruit your friends and family to listen to you for 20 - 30 seconds or so, which is all your pitch needs to be, and get their feedback.


The more you practice it, the easier it will be to say. Review these tips for writing an elevator pitch, with examples.

What to do when you're especially shy. If networking really isn't your thing, consider bringing a friend, especially someone who is naturally sociable. It will be much easier if you have someone else tagging along. Also, read these networking tips for introverts before you brave a career fair.

Check in when you arrive at the fair.  You may need to sign in at the reception area and get a name tag. Your name tag goes on your right side because you'll be shaking hands with your right hand. Having the name tag on the same side as the handshake draws the recruiter's eye to your name tag, making it easier for them to remember your name.

Visit companies in priority order. Make the rounds, visiting your priority companies first.

If you have extra time talk to other organizations, too – you may find a surprise company that's a good match.

Introduce yourself with a smile.  A smile really does make everyone feel better about themselves, and that includes the person you're introducing yourself to. Be proactive and take the initiative, tell the recruiter who you are, and offer to shake hands. A simple introduction is fine: "Hi, I'm Amanda Jones, and I'm pleased to meet you."

Keep it formal. Unless you're told otherwise, address the person staffing the desk as Mr. or Ms. After you introduce yourself, be prepared to give your elevator pitch and be ready to answer a few questions. Offer a copy of your resume and your business card, if you have one. Ask the recruiter for his or her business card to take with you.

Follow up after the fair. Take the time to send a follow-up email. Send it is as soon as you can after the fair is finished It's a way to make another good impression on the people you meet. Here's an example of a follow-up letter to send after a job fair, you can tailor it to match your own circumstances.

Source;- https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-introduce-yourself-at-a-job-fair-2061621