The ABC's of job fairs

Believe or not job fairs are still around.  They are the most effective vehicle for employers to maximize their recruitment dollars.  Aside from the usual advice about preparing for a job fair (i.e. bring lots of resumes, visit every booth, have a firm hand shake) here are three commonly suggested tips with a twist.

Attitude.  By attitude I am mainly talking about the way you carry yourself.  Yes, you are looking for work.  Yes, you are really hoping that this time you will get an interview that will lead to an offer. But do you have to look, sound and appear desperate? No! In addition to exuding confidence through your clothes, hair, and accessories, attitude is also about your posture and most importantly your disposition.  In other words, how are you enduring the constant selling of yourself?  Are you able to keep your head up high and continue to smile even if you keep hearing, thanks for no, thanks?

Bring extras. Here extras refer to materials that might differentiate you from the rest.  Do bring your resume as this is a requirement to get your foot in the door.  But how about having some other type of collateral to showcase your talent and skills? For example, in addition to getting business cards, you could have marketing brochures made.  If your area is writing or research, you could bring a list of documents and studies that you have produced.  I have even seen links of short videos added in resumes as a way to stand out from the crowd.

Communicate clearly.  That is, communicate your value clearly.  This is another way of saying have your elevator pitch ready. And by ready I don't mean to sound like a broken record.  Your pitch must come across as natural although you and I know that you have repeated it a dozen times in front of the mirror. And do not stop at the elevator pitch.  Be prepared to answer questions as a result of your pitch.

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