Can you get a job at a career fair? What suggestions do you have to make the most of the experience?

[Bethany22]

Have you ever attended a career fair that actually helped you get a job? What suggestions do you have to make the most of the experience?

[virginloserguy]

When I went back in 2010, it was just a bunch of companies promoting themselves. The news was there. They were just pretending they were trying to help people. I did not get any callbacks.

I learned a better way to get jobs than filling out applications. Those employers have 100s of resumes that they ultimately throw in the shredder and never read it. So I found out that the best way to get a job is from your friends. By talking to people and making friends. Networking. I know if you have anxiety, you do not feel like doing that, but 80% of jobs that people get are because someone referred them to it. That is why I have so many jobs. When I quit a job, my friend calls me up and says, "Hey, man, you need a job or anything? I heard you quit your job. I can set you up" having associates and friends that can refer you to a job is more valuable than handing a resume to those employers at the career fair.

You have to go to online or offline seminars. Talk to people who run businesses and companies. Just talk to people. People you went to college with. You want lifelong friends so you will never be unemployed again.

Gone are the days when you just walk in with your resume. I do not even have an indeed account. I know it wastes my time, and they will never read my resume. I network and make friends because that is the only reliable way to get a job nowadays.

[Massageman]

My daughter did once- landed a great summer job- a PAID internship- -which led to FT employment at an engineering firm.

If you know which companies will be there, learn whatever you can about them. YOU should be ready to ask THEM questions, too, not just them asking you! A "good fit" has to work both ways.

Know your financial situation. Are your expectations reasonable and do they match your level of experience in the job being sought? Are you over-selling or under-selling your experience?

Have some sort of "business card" made up- in addition to your PAPER resume- to give to prospective e employers. Of course, if they have on-line data entry for your particulars, feel free to type the info. But always come prepared.

Rehearse some "formula" questions, ie.; Where do see yourself 5 years from now? Explain a time where you had to use your training/ persuasiveness/experience/tact to solve a problem. What do you expect from our company? What can our company expect from you?

Whether in person or by phone, always send a follow-up letter, thanking the company personnel involved for the interview and their time.

[Jennz6]

Never been to one, probably wouldn’t help me

[Jennz6]

Thank you for MHO

[SnowedIn]

Yes you can. Be ready and willing to talk. Bring your A game in dress, professionalism, and readiness to answer questions. Treat anyone you interact with as if it was an interview -- they may talk to (or be) the recruiter or hiring manager. First impressions matter and can never have a do over. Research the top ten companies known to be there. When you're at they're table, you can speak knowledgeably about the firm and ask engaged questions. Remember too that you're interviewing them. If their peeps are disorganized, sullen, having too much fun inappropriate for the event, that's a sign of not great culture at that company.

[TCredo]

Research what companies and people will be there - you should do this no matter how you are going about finding a job. Mentioning a little bit of recent news about the company (or things from their annual report etc) can help you immensely show you are interested - even better if you can tie it to things you do well.

If you can get names ahead of time, drop them a brief note via LinkedIn (or email if you have it) - let them know you're attending and look forward to meeting them.

Practice what you are going to say to folks - don't wing it. Have a few top statements and questions - practice saying them out loud. Record yourself even - listen to it - revise the wording if needed.

Dress sharp - be filled with positivity. Have lots of professionally made cards with your contact info and headshot. Exchange for their business cards - follow-up via email later that day with your resume.

Good luck :)

[nawtee_me]

Have plenty of resumes/with references. Talk to everyone... If the person you are talking with has openings but the job is not what you really want then don't just say I am sorry or walk away. Ask if he can point you in the right direction. He may not have your next job but he may know who does.

Talk with confidence, Know your job that you are seeking.

Take a good look at you resume. What salary do you absolutely have to have to meet your bills and be able to live easily to your next paycheck? Ask for two dollars an hour more than that. (if hourly) or equivalent. They may counter with a lower pay and you may still end up with what you need. Don't be afraid to ask for it, you are worth it. Be confident... Good luck

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Can You Really Find Employment at a Job Fair?
https://www.careerfairplus.com › blog › find-employment...

The short answer is YES! Millions of people have found employment after visiting a career fair. As mentioned before, technology makes life easier

[Googlemyahoo]

In college two guys I sat with went to one and I was going but changed my mind. They were hired on the spot by a recruiter. They were pretty relaxed up to the end of the course knowing they had jobs lined up. I was pissed at myself for not going.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

Dress to impress & most of all be prepared like you are going on a job interview. Network with everyone & sell yourself to the point where you stand out from the crowd & make potential employers want to hire you. Have a few printed resumes on hand.

[Th3ft]

Not usually it’s one of those things that you could if you have the right stuff in the right moment. But usually they just talk and except applications and then call people back.

[FunkyMonkee]

None that I've ever been to!! Jobs are like girls: They're REALLY hard to get and when you DO get one, you quickly find out it's not one that you want.

[Andres77]

Daughter had a job offer at a career fair/job fair.

[Havthrills]

I have never been to one. I've heard of them.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Bring several copies of your resume, dress well, and be polite to everyone there.

[Dantezam]

Engineering is very profitable 😉

[Fuentes]

Some people do get jobs there