Attending a job fair is one of the many ways that you
can locate employment opportunities in both the public
and private sectors. In fact, some job fairs will have
both public sector and private sector employers participating.
How do you work a job fair to maximize your possibility
of success? Here are some suggestions:
Know who is going to be exhibiting at the fair and
investigate them. Knowing the participants will let you
focus your attention on those employers that you feel
would be the best fit. A visit to their website will let
you know the types of vacancies they might have and allow
you to present yourself to their recruiters as a solution
for their needs.
Plan your strategy. Don’t appear to wander aimlessly
around the fair. Identify the employers to whom you wish
to talk and don’t leave the fair until you have talked to
all of them.
Always bring plenty of copies of your resume and business
card. Also be prepared to take notes to enhance any
follow-up contacts you might make.
Be prepared to interview on the spot. Many private sector
employers are prepared to interview candidates who they
think would be a good fit.
Dress as if you are going to a job interview. Professional
appearance will improve your chances of being noticed and
taken seriously.
Network with other job fair attendees. They might be
valuable sources of information about other opportunities.
Use job fairs as part of your total job search strategy.
John Grobe, President of Federal Career Experts, is the
contributing editor of FEDweek’s The Federal Employees
Career Transition Handbook and an expert in employment and
job search issues. He provides career advising services to
individual employees. John can be reached at (708) 771-2445
