How can you effectively network at a job fair?

To maximize your time and impact at a job fair, it's crucial to do research beforehand. Not all the companies present will be relevant to you, so it's best for you to identify the 3-5 companies you're most interested in and thoroughly research them. Use LinkedIn to find out who works in the roles you're interested in and prepare some questions that show your interest in their work. Remember, it's not just about what they can do for you - think about what value you can bring to them. Find out what they're doing or planning via their website and 'About us' pages. Good questions and observations show that you're genuinely interested in the company. Remember to collect names and ensure you follow up AFTER the fair to stand out from others.

If you are looking in the non-profit sector you can see an organization’s financials and key leadership through creating a free account on Goldstar. Once you find the organization you can see what salaries are being paid to employees, who serves as board members and the history of the financials revenues and profits through the posted federal tax forms (990s) - note you must be logged in to access these forms. Often there are several years of these 990s posted so you can look for consistency in leadership and funding. Always good to do the research on those that you are considering sharing your talents with.

Research the company well enough to understand its dress code, but remember that job fairs and interviews are more formal occasions. A button-down culture should see you wearing a jacket and other professional attire. A more casual environment calls for “business casual” - with the emphasis on business. Avoid jeans, sneakers, torn or stained clothing, overly revealing garments, and anything that distracts from an interviewer as seeing you as a qualified, serious candidate. Stick with simple hair styles, jewelry, makeup, and accessories. This first meeting is an assessment. Allow the interviewer to see YOU front and center, without extraneous distractions. There’s opportunity later to show your personality.

In addition to the old school, dependable methods of business card in hand and your handy dandy notebook, try using an electronic business card like Blinq. I would not rely on this solely but handy to have and will not only provide your information but you will receive theirs in return. You may want to consider putting a virtual resume together on a website. Get creative - how can you stand out from everyone else?!?!

As a Principal Career Coach, I realised many jobseekers are not aware that professionals in networking events would usually prioritise who & how much attention to give to make their attendance worth their time. So it’s not just about sharing how much knowledge during conversations such as company & industry insights but to show genuine curiosity about the other party beyond his/her job appointment and being respectful of their time by asking for permission to connect post event. Even if they were to reject, thank them for their time spent with a smile and move on to others who are more willing to do so

Questions should show who you are and provide valuable information about the organization. Try these pivotal questions: PERCEPTION: “How does your company perceive its role in the industry? What do you see that sets you apart from your competitors?” INTROSPECTION: “Share a recent challenge the company faced, how it was addressed, what was learned from this pivot?” VISION: “What is the company’s vision for the future, how would this role contribute to that vision?” OPTIONS: “In this role, what are opportunities for professional growth, how does the company support continuous learning? TO-DO: “If I were to join your team, what would be the immediate priorities and expectations, what initial contributions would be most impactful?” Thanks!

An often forgotten detail Even for myself Always send a thank you email And / Or phone message Helps in future reconnections and future conversations

Do not ever pass up the chance to speak to someone at a Exhibition ‼️‼️ We should attend as many such fairs as possible (I do and sometimes , I even apply for leave to attend) Whenever we see something interesting, ask questions about the products and industry. The exhibitors made a conscious and expensive effort to be at the trade show And more than happy to share. Share back with them your own perspectives and past experiences Especially so if you have used or heard of their product They are always eager to get feedback. Always ask for a business contact And definitely connect with them on LinkedIn. I have connected with many interesting individuals and reconnected with many virtual connections via such events. Happy networking