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Career fairs should be just one small part of your entire job search process; however, they can be a successful part. Here are a few strategies to make your time beneficial:
- Research. You can get a huge jump on the competition by getting a list of the companies attending the fair and doing some research on each of the companies you want to interview with; don't waste time with companies that do not interest you.
- Resumes. Bring lots of resumes to the fair -- at least two for each company for which you have an interest. If you have multiple interests or job objectives, make sure you bring enough of each version of your resume.
- Attire. Conservative business attire is essential; first impressions are critical.
- Strategy. Meet with your top choices first thing in the morning and interview with your other choices in the middle of the day. Return to your top choices at the end of the day to thank them again for their time.
- Interviewing. Make the most of your time. Develop a one-minute "commercial" that highlights the key benefits that you can offer the organization -- and then use it at the beginning of the interview. Also remember the three keys to all interviews: make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and show enthusiasm.
- Follow-up. Write a thank you note and mail it the next day to the address on the recruiter's business card. In the letter, thank the recruiter for his/her time, restate your interest and qualifications for the position, reiterate your interest in a second interview, and make a promise to follow-up the letter with a phone call (and then make sure you do in fact call).
Adapted from The Ten Keys to Success at Job and Career Fairs, by Dr. Randall Hansen at www.quintcareers.com.