How can you help clients connect with employers in virtual career fairs?

I advise my clients to find out everything they can about each employer they plan to meet at a virtual career fair. It is essential to have a compelling reason why you would be a great fit for EACH employer that you meet.

While researching the event is essential, one must be sure of the purpose of attending. This leads to aligning goals, services offered and value addition to the clients. Looking at previous employee profiles also helps you navigate the discussion based on your skillset and experience. Moreover, you are able to add that extra zing (Why you are the one?) to ensure that you get shortlisted or selected.

Researching the virtual career fair is crucial for effective client-employer connections. Begin by comprehensively understanding the event's focus, participating companies, and industries represented. Identify key employers aligned with the client's goals. Investigate each company's values, culture, and recent initiatives, enabling personalized interactions during the virtual fair. Being well-informed enhances the client's ability to engage meaningfully, showcasing a genuine interest in potential employers.

In-depth Research of the Event and Employers: Encourage clients to go beyond basic information and delve into the history, recent achievements, and future projects of participating companies. Suggest they follow these companies on social media and subscribe to their newsletters for up-to-date information. Advise them to understand the company culture and values, as this will help in tailoring their approach and conversation during the event. Thoroughly Update Resume and Professional Profiles:

With over 10 years of experience in Career Coaching via my company @Your Worth On Paper, I specialize in maximizing the impact of clients at virtual career fairs. Firstly, I focus on crafting compelling digital profiles that stand out to employers. This involves fine-tuning LinkedIn profiles and resumes to highlight key skills and achievements relevant to targeted industries. Secondly, I train clients in effective online communication and networking techniques. This includes strategies for engaging employers through chat functions, making a strong impression in video interviews, and following up effectively post-event.

Thoroughly Update Resume and Professional Profiles: Stress the importance of a resume that aligns with each targeted employer’s needs. This might involve creating multiple versions of their resume, each highlighting different aspects of their experience and skills. Suggest optimizing their LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, a compelling summary, and detailed descriptions of past roles and accomplishments. This should mirror the tailored resume. Recommend including quantifiable achievements in their resume and profile to make a stronger impact.

Repetition breeds confidence. Practice your introduction which may be slightly different for each employer you encounter. Be ready, be confident. Script it out and rehearse. That first impression is critical.

Comprehensive Practice of Pitch and Interview Questions: Assist clients in developing a concise yet compelling elevator pitch that effectively summarizes their background, skills, and what they are seeking in their next role. Role-play with them to practice this pitch, and offer feedback to refine their delivery. Help them prepare a list of insightful, open-ended questions that demonstrate their knowledge about the company and interest in the role.

Ensuring Technological Readiness and Appropriate Environment: Remind clients to test their technology in advance, including internet speed, camera, microphone, and lighting. Advise them on choosing a professional backdrop and dressing as they would for an in-person interview to convey professionalism. Suggest a trial run of the virtual platform if possible, to familiarize themselves with its features and functionalities.

Effective Engagement and Follow-Up with Employers: Coach clients on the importance of active engagement during the fair. This includes showing enthusiasm, asking insightful questions, and demonstrating knowledge about the company. Emphasize the value of collecting contact details and sending personalized follow-up messages soon after the event. Guide them on crafting follow-up communications that reiterate their interest in the company and reflect on a specific part of the conversation they had with the employer.

Post-event, don't just use e-mail or LinkedIn. If you want to stand out, send heartfelt thank-you notes, reiterate passion, and drop any extra info they missed. Following up isn't just a step; it's the personalized key to turning connections into career gold!

Additional Strategies and Considerations: Discuss the importance of a broad strategy that includes applying directly on company websites, engaging in industry forums, and participating in relevant LinkedIn groups. Encourage them to stay resilient and keep a positive outlook, as job searches can be a marathon, not a sprint. Remind them to continuously update their skills and stay informed about industry trends, which could be a talking point in conversations with employers.

The real challenge is how to make that connection in a sea of digital candidates. Assuming the research has been done, the role is understood and the follow-up questions are prepared, here are my tips for connection... I tell my clients to have the best camera they can afford and to test-run their login and background before the meeting to avoid mishaps. You shouldn't appear on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise or as a potato if you can avoid it. At least not in this context. Also key is to practice looking into the camera when speaking. Put up notes on the wall behind the camera to keep you on track and looking up. Finally, have a great digital portfolio and/or resume ready for distribution to potential employers. Show your stuff!