There are all types of job fairs: Targeted job fairs for specific industries — high tech, retail, biotech; and lots of job fairs that appeal to a broad group of candidates with a variety of backgrounds. If you are a generalist in background, with a skill set most companies want — such as management, sales/marketing, human resources, administration/office management, warehouse/operations — you would do well to check out the general job fair.

Why Do Companies attend job fairs?

Companies are predominantly there to recruit good, qualified candidates. There are many other benefits: good PR, community visibility, outreach, and surveying the labor market.

What to Expect

If you have never attended a job fair before, you may experience a variety of emotions from being energized to being overwhelmed. Most companies post a list of current openings and information about the company. Many companies will send HR reps with hiring managers. The more popular companies, of course, will have the larger lines, and more elaborate trade show booths.

How to Prepare

1. First and Foremost, bring 20-30 copies of your resume. I am always surprised when candidates come with just one original.
2. Dress professionally. First impressions count. Some people take this as a casual event. It is not. The serious job seeker will dress up.
3. Do an Attitude Check. Am I coming across positively? Do I really want to be here?
4. Come prepared with a skills statement: ”Hello, I’m Bob. I have over ten years of warehouse experience. I would like to know more about your warehouse department.”
5. Be prepared to ask one or two questions. Remember, job fairs are quick impressions of you as well as about them.
6. Thank the interviewer for their time. Courtesy goes a long way. You will also stand out in the crowd, with proper etiquette.
7. What’s the next step? May I call you in a week? When would it be appropriate to call?
8. Go to the shortest line first.

Biggest mistakes candidates make: Based on experience we have gained from coordinating over 100 job fairs:

1. The biggest mistake is that candidates assume their background does not fit with the company’s. Sometimes, companies only bring their current openings. You will be missing opportunities if you don’t ask about future openings!
2. Focusing on just one or two companies. The advantage of a job fair is to talk and network with as many companies and resources as you can.
3. Not following up on leads. Follow-up is the key in the job search process. You might have some initial excitement, but persistence is what gets the job.
4. Not being focused or direct. Focus and direct communication will get you closer to your goal.
5. Treating job fairs impersonally. Come with a smile and a firm handshake. Recruiters are people too.

When to Come

Most job seekers stick to the adage that the early bird gets the worm. Not necessarily. Most of the time, recruiters will have two shifts of people, so the adage does not apply. The best time to go is at an off time — midday, or the beginning of the second shift. If you cannot avoid coming at 10 am, it is better to go than not, but you will have more time to speak with representatives during slower times.

How long to spend.

Plan to spend two or three hours. Remember, the advantage to a live job fair is talking with real people about real jobs. It is not about sending paper and paper management.

Having a set of goals

Research has shown that people with written goals are more likely to accomplish what they want. Think about how many recruiters you wish to see. Planning in advance really does work, and takes some of the stress off the event. If you are a career changer, a job fair is a great opportunity to see what’s out there, who is hiring and what kinds of jobs they have, and the pay. In short, a job fair is a great place for anyone who is considering looking for a job either now or in the future.