What is a job fair?

1. It is an event to learn about the job market.
2. It is a place where you can:
• meet employers
• get job leads
• learn about job requirements
• talk to experts and representatives of companies
3. It offers workshops and lectures to learn how to succeed in your career.

Benefits of going to a job fair:

1. You may get a job.
2. You learn of job openings.
3. Expand your network. Make yourself visible to employers.

Tips when attending a job fair:

Prepare

1. Know what to expect
• Check the list of companies and the schedule of activities.
• Register or buy a ticket.
• Read the job fair’s online event page or poster.
• Call the organizer if you have questions (example: parking, how to get to the venue).
2. Set your objectives
• Know what kind of opportunities you are looking for.
• Set your goals so that you’ll have direction once you’re there.
• Decide which booths you will go to. Know which workshops to attend.
• Maximize your time with a plan. Don’t walk around aimlessly.
3. Do prior research
• Read the websites of companies you are interested in.
• Read How to research a prospective employer before an interview.
• Make a list of questions you will ask.
4. Prepare your resume and business card
• Review your resume (follow Canadian style resume guidelines).
• Print several copies to bring.
• Some job fairs accept resumes before the event.

• Check the job fair webpage. See if they have a section for uploading resumes.
• This is done to allow companies to shortlist candidates for job openings.
• You may get a call even before the job fair.
• Exchange business cards with employers if they don’t accept resumes.
• Build contacts. You may need them at a later time.
5. Create a portfolio
• A portfolio is composed of:

• a copy of your resume
• list of references
• samples of your best work
• This will help make you a stronger candidate.
6. Make a plan
• Come early to talk to specific companies.

• Avoid crowds.
• You will be able to ask your questions before they get too busy.
• Make a list of questions. Make a script to introduce yourself. These will help if you are nervous about your English.
• Be prepared in case a recruiter interviews you right then and there:

• Make an elevator speech. This is a summary of what you do in two to three sentences.
• Practise answers to most common interview questions.
• Remember to stand out in person in a way that you might not on your resume.
• Be ready with short stories. Tell them how you practise soft skills at work.

At the job fair

1. Dress professionally
• Wear a business attire or business casual.
• Be neat and polished.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You will need to do a lot of walking or standing in line.
• For more tips read: How to dress for a job interview.
2. Be confident
• Make eye contact.
• Have a firm handshake ready.
• Smile.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. But ask thoughtful questions. Don’t ask details that are already on their brochure or poster. Use your prior research.
• Always be tactful, polite and pleasant.

• Don’t interrupt a current conversation. You’ll get your turn.
• Listen well.
• If they ask you about your work, be ready with your elevator speech.
• Present your resume or portfolio when they ask for more details.
• If they don’t have a job opening for you and you’re interested in the company, ask about the possibility of getting an informational interview instead.
3. Network
• Network with:

• employers
• your fellow jobseekers. They can share job leads and other information even after the job fair.
• Organizations such as service providers, professional associations, speakers at the seminars, or employment agencies.
• These are great connections that will help you grow in your field.
4. Take notes
• It will be hard to remember everyone you meet at a job fair.
• Write short notes on the business cards you have collected. Note down what you talked about or how the contact was helpful.
• You can also use a small notebook to note names, companies, and other details.
• You will need these details when you send a follow-up email.
5. Follow-up
• Send emails to the representatives you have spoken to at the event.
• Make it short, pleasant and straight to the point.
• It can be a thank you email to a recruiter.
• It is an opportunity to state your interest in the company. This will help make you stand out from all the other applicants.