What Are the Benefits of Career Fairs?

[Noor E Alam]

Career fairs are equal opportunity events for job seekers and employers alike. Employers meet, inform and interview hundreds of potential applicants, while job seekers get the chance to ask questions, talk up their skills and make important connections. If you're headed to a career fair, keep in mind that you'll be talking to a ton of people, and your appearance will be a big part of your networking success. Check yourself in a mirror before going inside, and periodically throughout the day. Wear a professional outfit and stylish (yet sensible) shoes. Carry a small bottle of water and breath mints, in case your mouth gets dry.



Networking
Career fairs are excellent networking opportunities since they're filled with potential contacts who already work in your chosen field, as well as people like you who want to succeed. Career fairs give you chance to make connections with potential employers, mentors and peers. Bring plenty of resumes or business cards to pass along your contact information, and be prepared to talk about yourself. You should be willing to discuss your talents, skills, experience and education. Have a good sense of what position you want, and what you can bring to the role. Career fairs will often link you to people who can get you where you want to go, but you've got be sure where that is.

Interview Practice
A career fair can squeeze a month's worth of interviews into a single day, giving you ample time to practice impressing potential employers. You'll get multiple chances to firm up your handshake, make eye contact, and talk about yourself. You'll also get practice answering spontaneous questions intelligibly. Note the questions you're asked, and strive to come up with increasingly better answers. Often, interviews at career fairs are for informational rather than hiring purposes. They are designed to give you more details about the company, and to give the company a glimpse of your ability to carry on a professional conversation. Doing this will help you become a better, more focused listener. It might be helpful to do a little research about each company represented at the career fair if you have a list of who will be there before the event.



Job Openings
Company representatives at career fairs will likely inform you of job openings and their hiring processes. Be prepared with at least a dozen copies of your resume and cover letter. Have your cover letter memorized, so you can rattle off fast facts about your merits.

Industry Info
Career fairs offer a chance to learn general information about your chosen industry. Bring a briefcase or folder to store pamphlets and fliers with facts about new standards, requirements, certifications, and education and training availabilities. Bring a notepad and pen with you so you can take notes when necessary.

Source:- http://work.chron.com/benefits-career-fairs-14915.html