I'm going to my first job fair next week for Memorial Hermann and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what I could expect.. Thanks!
Guess it depends on the kind of job fair. Typically it's a big room with a bunch of tables with companies at each one. You stand in line, introduce yourself. Ask some questions, discuss the company. And hand over your resume. Depending on the reps, it's a chance to sell yourself and get a little networking done. (collect some business cards) I've been to a few when I was in college. Like the Texas Career Fair, which is at Rice University this year on February 6.
They generally are a crapshoot. It all depends on who is hosting them, and the companies that are hiring at them. If it is lower-end jobs (most job fairs), good look because there will be thousands of people going throughout the day. Smart companies know they don't need to waste time or money at job fairs. LinkedIn is your best friend now.
Thanks for the input.. I don't think its a normal job fair for entry-level jobs.. Its for nursing and allied health careers.. I graduated in May and am looking to find a job in respiratory therapy. Hopefully I get lucky and find one next week, its been rough.
You should certainly go then. Specialized job fairs are much easier. I remember in 2010 when unemployment was so high, I went to a fair across from Reliant Stadium and there were like two thousand people there when it opened.
I regularly help man my company's booth a different job fairs here and in LA. A piece of advice: Don't walk up to the table and say "So... What's this?" or "What do ya'll do?" Instead try: "Hello, my name is ???? Nice to meat you. You're representing 'Company Name' I've heard/haven't heard of it. I'm interested in learning more."
Thanks, good to know! Do you usually ask them questions or anything about themselves or just answer questions that they ask?
Companies also look to market themselves in job fairs. You can meet different people and improve your resume. The best place to find a job is still the internet.
More than anything else I'm describing the company and telling them about the types of positions that we're hiring for. I'll skim thier resumes to see if there's anything that pops out before I put it into the stack. If so, I'll ask about it. It's really case by case as for me asking a ton of questions. I'd also suggest researching the companies that will be there before hand. Find out what thier current openings are and target those that you're interested in. The conversation always goes better when the canidate's qualifications are a fit with the company's current needs.
This is very true. It also goes for interviews as well. Do a lot of research about the company beforehand, and show that you know about it. When they get to the "do you have any questions" mention or ask about something you read about the company. "Oh, I read that you are expanding in to such and such market. Are there any more long-term goals for growth that you can disclose? I'd love to know more." Etc.
Dress like you are going to a job interview. Take lots of copies of your resume with you. Some (but usually not most) will have an HR person there that will spend some one on one time with some people. I'm in the aviation industry and actually got a job at a job fair once. Most of the tables will likely just have people handing out info but some will be really serious about looking for talent.
Been offered a few jobs from several job fairs from my time in college. Most of the time they're for entry level positions though. I think it's mostly luck anyway... it doesn't hurt to try. Most people I see are entry-level type of goers. I've never seen anyone with 5+ years of experience go to one before. Dress appropriately and I brought a general cover letter with my resume specifying my skills and what I'm looking for.
They probably have a list of all the booth operators online somewhere. Do your homework and identify which companies you want to talk to, learn about those companies, what open positions you're interested in, and have some questions ready for them. Also have your elevator pitch ready -- 30 seconds of who/what you are and what you want to accomplish (the more specific you can be, the better). You can use the event as a speed-dating type interview spree. If you come prepared and can speak confidently on a cold introduction, you can get a lot of looks. I was not able to do the above myself when I last went to one. I did the homework, but don't do well on a cold introduction and my elevator pitch was lousy. Still, I got a couple of leads out of it, though I couldn't close the deal on any of them. It doesn't matter now -- I landed on my feet anyway.
