How To Prepare For A Career or Job Fair

I’ve written a few other posts on career and job fairs. As I’ve written them, my mind turns to the old school aspects. They are from a prior age. Before meetups, tweetups and other more modern networking events.

But they remain an important part of the job search process because they get you out of the house and in front of other people. People who might hire you someday. And if you haven’t attended one, you should add it to your schedule this month. Just so you can experience one. Love it or hate it, at least you know.

So far I shared the pros and cons of going to a career or job fair. And in the end, you get to decide for yourself. With your eyes wide open. Some can be a big waste of time. Others deliver with great companies and real quality people to meet.

I also wrote about what to look for in an event so you can choose a career or job fair that is right for you. I think if you go through those 10 ways, you will be able to make a good decision.

So today my goal is to finish this series by talking a little bit about preparation.

How to prepare for a career or job fair?

In some ways, the prep is similar to a job interview. Especially if you know that one of your target companies will be there. And the good events will have the right people there to allow you to deliver your elevator pitch. So you better create a good elevator pitch.

1. Research the event. Ask your networking friends who’ve been before about the dress code (business casual vs. formal). When in doubt, wear your best but don’t be over-dressed if it is a more business casual event.

2. Know the companies. If you can get a list of the companies attending, you can do your homework on them. I created an interview prep tool you can use if one or two companies are a pretty good match. Go to their website and see if they list available jobs. And read up on what matters to them these days (e.g. a big new product is being launched).

3. Learn who is coming. Not always easy to do, but you can try. And if you can figure it out, see if they are on LinkedIn. The more you can learn about someone in advance, the better. That way you can be prepared to ask good questions and provide relevant information about yourself when asked.

4. Prepare your marketing materials. This includes copies of your resume, some great questions for target companies, and a your pitch (ideally individualized for each company). And here’s another idea. Bring some Flair™. It is a flyer for career fairs that quickly describes the value you can add to an organization. It is a sister of the SoloSheet™ (the SoloSheet is used primarily for networking with other job seekers and anyone else who needs to know you and your job search objectives). You can find the Flair template (along with one for the SoloSheet) on the free downloads page.

5. Get there early. Fashionably late does not work for a career or job fair. By getting there early (15-20 minutes) you can find parking, get your badge, find the room, and get otherwise comfortable before the doors open. You might also have a few minutes to meet event organizers or have a nice impromptu conversation with a few of the company reps who are there. Before anyone else arrives.

Good preparation will help you feel more comfortable when you get there. Comfortable, confident and relaxed.

Just the way you want to be in front of a potential new employer, right?

What are your tips to get ready for a career or job fair – would love to hear from you!