Tips on How to be Successful at Hiring Fairs
Research - look at www.placementexperts.ca or www.percresources.ca to see which employers are attending.
Lists are updated as employers sign up, so check often.
Do some research on the employers attending and know what they are all about before you go. That way you can plan ahead and know which employers you want to leave your resume with.
When you arrive, check in with the front desk to see if any new employers have registered. You will be given a Program Guide that lists who is at the event that day.
Check out the layout of the Hiring Fair and find where employers are that you want to meet first.
Be prepared to wait to meet with an employer.
Resumes- Bring lots!!! Plan on two for each company that you want to leave a resume with, especially if you are applying for more than one position with that employer.
Portfolios - include copies of your resumes, certificates, list of reference and reference letters. Being able to provide copies of your skills will help an employer remember you.
Bring pen, paper and personal calendar. Be ready to book that follow up interview!!
Dress as you would for an interview. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
No gum chewing. No food or drink with you.
Interview- Plan for 2-5 minutes to market yourself - you need to make the most of your time. Know your "highlights" that you will be offering that employer.
Remember the 3 keys to all interviews
- Make eye contact
- Offer a firm handshake
- Show interest
Be prepared to answer the most common hiring fair question, which is "What are you here for today?".
A great question to ask an employer who you have shared your resume with is "What do I need to do to get another interview with you?".
If you are not prepared to speak to an employer or are nervous - try eavesdropping on what is taking place at the booth - what are they asking other job seekers? Also, do they have literature at their booth that you could take and read over before coming back to meet with that employer.
There will be space available to take a break, think about your plans or review materials you may have picked up.
Hiring Fairs are about Networking - with employers but also an opportunity to network with other job seekers, share information, job leads and experiences.
Follow up- the most important part of a Hiring Fair and the most not completed is to follow up with employers after the hiring fair is over.
Follow up can be done by calling employers within a day or two after the hiring fair to thank them for their time or write a thank you note and mail it the next day to the employer. For either method include your interest to meet again.
Timing- Estimate 15 minutes for each employer you want to meet with. This will allow for waiting times and meeting with any additional employers that show up.
Research - look at www.placementexperts.ca or www.percresources.ca to see which employers are attending.
Lists are updated as employers sign up, so check often.
Do some research on the employers attending and know what they are all about before you go. That way you can plan ahead and know which employers you want to leave your resume with.
When you arrive, check in with the front desk to see if any new employers have registered. You will be given a Program Guide that lists who is at the event that day.
Check out the layout of the Hiring Fair and find where employers are that you want to meet first.
Be prepared to wait to meet with an employer.
Resumes- Bring lots!!! Plan on two for each company that you want to leave a resume with, especially if you are applying for more than one position with that employer.
Portfolios - include copies of your resumes, certificates, list of reference and reference letters. Being able to provide copies of your skills will help an employer remember you.
Bring pen, paper and personal calendar. Be ready to book that follow up interview!!
Dress as you would for an interview. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
No gum chewing. No food or drink with you.
Interview- Plan for 2-5 minutes to market yourself - you need to make the most of your time. Know your "highlights" that you will be offering that employer.
Remember the 3 keys to all interviews
- Make eye contact
- Offer a firm handshake
- Show interest
Be prepared to answer the most common hiring fair question, which is "What are you here for today?".
A great question to ask an employer who you have shared your resume with is "What do I need to do to get another interview with you?".
If you are not prepared to speak to an employer or are nervous - try eavesdropping on what is taking place at the booth - what are they asking other job seekers? Also, do they have literature at their booth that you could take and read over before coming back to meet with that employer.
There will be space available to take a break, think about your plans or review materials you may have picked up.
Hiring Fairs are about Networking - with employers but also an opportunity to network with other job seekers, share information, job leads and experiences.
Follow up- the most important part of a Hiring Fair and the most not completed is to follow up with employers after the hiring fair is over.
Follow up can be done by calling employers within a day or two after the hiring fair to thank them for their time or write a thank you note and mail it the next day to the employer. For either method include your interest to meet again.
Timing- Estimate 15 minutes for each employer you want to meet with. This will allow for waiting times and meeting with any additional employers that show up.
Latest News
- Tips on How to Be Successful at Hiring Fairs Going to your first Hiring Fair and want to know how to be successful? Check out the tips listed here.
- Career Fairs Keep checking our website for information regarding upcoming Career Fairs taking place in the City and County of Peterborough.
