Attending job fairs is a fantastic way to meet fellow job seekers and get valuable face-time with potential employers. However, with social distancing guidelines still in place, it’s not advisable to have hundreds of people gathered in the same space. Luckily, thanks to technology, you can reap the same benefits of an in-person event right from the comfort of your own home!

Are you interested in attending a virtual job fair? Here are some tips to help you prepare and get the most out of your participation.

Before the hiring event: How to prepare

To give yourself a competitive edge and help land the job, don't just "walk" into the job fair without doing any preparation! You'll want to put in some work ahead of time so that you can set yourself up for a successful event.

• Register ahead of time

  First things first, whenever possible, sign up in advance! This will help prevent any technical hiccups the day of the event and will give you a better idea of what to expect, which companies will be attending, and how you should best prepare.

• Research the participating companies and available positions

  Take some time to look over the organizations that will be attending. You'll want to have a basic idea of which companies you'd like to speak with, so you can do the appropriate research.

  Learn about the company and think about the different questions you might have. You'll want to show that you are curious and express interest in the positions they have available.

• Update your resume

  Make sure your resume is spruced up and ready to go! It should be clear, concise, and up to date with your latest, relevant roles. Have a digital copy ready to go so you can submit it to hiring managers when requested.

TIP: Check out this article to learn more about improving your resume!

• Test your technology

  Have everything ready to go well in advance of the event's start time. Ensure your camera and microphone are working properly and, if necessary, install any essential software for the event. If you're concerned about audio sound, use a pair of headphones with a microphone speaker. And of course, ensure that your Wifi signal is strong, you'll want your skills and experience to shine, not your poor internet connection.

During the hiring event: Put your best foot forward

Treat your virtual event just as you would an in-person hiring fair! Here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

• Dress to impress

  A virtual event does not mean you can show up in your favorite pajama pants and t-shirt. You'll want to make sure you are dressed professionally - and not just from the waist up! You never know if you'll need to stand up while speaking to a potential employer. Also, avoid excessive jewelry, accessories and busy patterns. They don't always look great on the camera and can cause unnecessary distraction!

• Minimize distractions

  If you aren't alone in the home during the event, do your best to stay in a quiet, low-traffic area. Let your housemates/family know what times you'll be at the career fair so they don't interrupt you.

You'll also want to make sure the background is cleaned up and free of inappropriate signage/decorations/paraphernalia. If possible, sit in front of a blank wall with minimal decor. You want the focus to be on YOU, not your surroundings.

• Watch your body language

  Here are some tips to make sure you set the best impression possible:

  • Find a comfortable chair and sit up straight
  • Position the camera so that your entire face and part upper body appears in the frame
  • Keep movements to a minimum so you always appear fully in the frame
  • Avoid touching your face and fidgeting with your hair
  • Remember to smile and show signs that you are engaged and interested in the conversation
  • It may seem unnatural, but keep eye contact while you speak by looking directly into the camera

• Ask for next steps and contact information

  Set yourself apart from the competition by confidently expressing your interest in the position! Ask the hiring manager/recruiter if they'd like you to forward them a copy of your resume. Also ask about the next steps - whether that is getting in contact with another member of their team, submitting an application or scheduling time for an additional interview.
  
  Before leaving the conversation, always take down their contact information! It’s also good practice to repeat it back to them to confirm you have it correct. You'll need this to follow up later on.

After the hiring event: Leave a great impression

The event may be over, but your work isn’t done yet! Make sure to leave a lasting impression with your potential employers.

• Follow up with a thank-you note

  Always follow up with a note or email to the connections you made during the hiring event. Thank them for their time and express your interest in their company! Chances are they spoke to a lot of candidates, so use this as an opportunity to remind them why you're a strong candidate.

Upcoming virtual hiring fairs

Are YOU attending a virtual event?

How are you preparing? Share your tips below!

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