Are Job Fairs a Waste of Time?
Well, it depends…when viewed as a resume inbox, probably. When viewed as an opportunity to connect with selected organizations, absolutely not!
In my work with job search groups, I found this pattern among the career fair participants:
80% rated the career fair as a waste of time.
20% rated it as time well spent. They reported good results: getting leads, learning about different opportunities in the company and creating rapport with the company rep.
What did the 20% do differently from the 80%?
Their recommendations:
- Go early when people are fresh and participants are few.
- Determine in advance which organizations you want to target.
- Be well informed about your targeted organizations.
- Create a relationship with someone at the table.
Have a conversation. e.g., Ask: What skills and experience have you (or has the company) found to be most valuable? What challenges are you facing regarding filling positions? Are there specific areas of high need? What would you recommend to a person who has an interest in the company? Is there specific training you would suggest? Is there a background that is especially useful for this work? All of this...before ever showing your resume.
- At some point in this conversation, the company rep will ask for your resume and review it with you...because you have now captured their interest.
- Get the contact information of the company rep, show an interest in them as a person, not merely a vehicle for transporting your resume.
- Send a follow up message commenting on your conversation with them and mentioning what was helpful or insightful, etc. Of course, reiterate you interest in potential employment.
It's not always what you do...but how you do it!
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