For those who are actively seeking employment, career fairs can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, particularly for students who have just finished their studies. Companies who are looking for candidates to fill their job openings often participate in these events. Whether you’re a first-time jobseeker, or a seasoned professional, putting your best foot forward at these career fairs is essential.
Due to the pandemic, virtual career fairs are on the rise, as the corporate industry shifts further into the digital space. It’s essential to go the extra mile in making a good first impression, especially when it comes to potential interviews. While some have the impression that career fairs are an easy route to landing a job, that is not always the case. Considering the number of professionals who are vying for the same position as you, expect that the competition may be tight!
Today, we’ll help you land that prospective job of yours by providing tips and advice on how to get ready for a career fair!
Do Your Research
Before participating in the job fair, it’s important to equip yourself with the necessary information as you strategize your application process. Research companies that will attend the career fair ahead of time and narrow down your list to the ones that you’d prefer to work for. Being knowledgeable about a company is also an effective way to make a good impression on the hiring manager, as they’ll appreciate a candidate who has a basic understanding of how their company works.
Prepare Your Resume
With an attractive resume, you can increase your chances of standing out among other candidates and landing an interview. An effective way to gain an employer’s attention is to customize your resume with skills that are tailor-fit for the needs of the position you’re applying to. Ensure that the document provides accurate information and emphasize important details such as work experience and contact information.
Practice Your Pitch
Job interviews can be a tedious process, especially at career fairs where there are numerous applicants competing for one position. Stand out by drafting your initial pitch detailing your background and qualifications, related experience, and your reason for wanting that job post. You can even add details about your research on the company and why you chose to apply to their organization. Through intensive preparation, a well-delivered speech can leave a lasting impression on hiring managers, as it displays your genuine interest in the position.
Dress Up for the Occasion
While most career fairs don’t necessarily require formal attire, it’s best that you still present yourself in a presentable manner – even in a digital setting. The safest bet would be smart casual attire and don’t forget about personal grooming – a fresh appearance exudes confidence! Lastly, if you’re participating in a virtual career fair, make sure that you have an appropriate background. As much as possible, choose a professional setting and limit distractions.
Always Look Ahead – Create Networking Opportunities!
Connecting with professionals gives you a glimpse of how people behave in a more corporate setting. If this is your first time attending a career fair, don’t get overwhelmed! Career fairs are great venues to expand your network. You can do this by connecting with company representatives and even co-applicants at the fair. Not only can it lead to more career opportunities in the future, but it can also sharpen your social and communication skills!
If you’re looking to gain an international education here in Canada with the goal of having a successful career, be sure to check out Toronto School of Management (TSOM). We offer a wide range of academic programs, from business to big data, to hospitality and tourism, instructed by professors who have years of credentials and experience under their belts. We also take pride in having a dedicated Career Services team for our students. The team sets up initiatives and projects such as webinars and career fairs that help our students to access the Canadian job market more easily, as well as provide a deeper understanding of international corporate standards. The team is also responsible for guiding our students into the right career path, offering sound advice and employment assistance.
Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us via email at [email protected] and we’d be more than happy to have you join our growing TSOM family!
