How to Prepare for Career Fair and Maximize your Opportunity

Before the fair

Find out the different companies that will be present. This can be easily done through a quick search through the event’s official website. Identify the organisations that you are interested in, conduct thorough research on each organisation to understand their corporate profile, company culture, and even the kind of people that they are looking for.

At most career fairs, recruiters from each organisation will be physically present to evaluate each jobseeker that comes up their booths. They will be meeting droves of people so make sure you stand out from the rest by wearing clothes that flatter you. Also keep in mind to dress for the company that you are interested in.

During the fair

Keep in mind that at most career fairs, a company will not immediately hire you on the spot but instead, shortlist you as a potential person for the job. Think of it as an elevator pitch where you only have two minutes to impress the listener. So, express yourself in a sharp and concise manner.

There are tons of companies at a career fair and physically visiting each booth can be a tiresome affair. Therefore check out the official event website beforehand to decide which companies or learning opportunities you're most interested in.

Do not jump at the earliest opportunity. Assess the people that you meet at the different companies. Are they interested in talking to you and listening to your questions? Are they dressed professionally? Do they seem like they know what they’re talking about? Ask for your friends’ viewpoints should they come along. It’s always beneficial to listen to different opinions because they are not as emotionally or physically invested in the career opportunity as you.

After the fair

It is important to collect their name cards during the fair. It is a good etiquette to email or call each individual representative of the different companies that you are interested in to follow up on your job applications or enquiries. Last but not least, come to a career fair with an open mind and you might just land that perfect job of yours. Remember, recruiters booked a booth to meet jobseekers like you, so don’t fret. Above all, enjoy yourself!

This article has been reproduced with the permission of JobsCentral Group. For more career- and education-related articles, please visit http://community.jobscentral.com.sg