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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Here are some tips to make sure you set the best impression possible:
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.
The event may be over, but your work isn’t done yet! Make sure to leave a lasting impression with your potential employers.
EVENT DATE | EMPLOYER | LOCATION | LINK TO EVENT |
---|---|---|---|
10/2/20 | Amazon | Greater Pittsburgh Area, PA | Event registration link |
10/2/20 | Kohl's | Edgewood, MD | Event registration link |
10/5/20 | UPS | Louisville, KY | Event registration link |
10/6/20 | Amazon | Greater Columbus Area, OH | Event registration link |
10/6/20 | Aramark | Durham, NH | Event registration link |
10/6/20 | Kelly Services | Salt Lake City, UT | Event registration link |
10/6/20 | Kindred at Home | Greater Chicago Area, IL | Event registration link |
10/7/20 | Amazon | Greater Dayton / Cincinnati Area, OH | Event registration link |
10/8/20 | Amazon | Northborough, MA | Event registration link |
10/8/20 | Pitney Bowes | Monroe, NJ | Event registration link |
10/9/20 | Aramark | Cincinatti, OH | Event registration link |
10/14/20 | Kelly Services | Benton Ridge, OH | Event registration link |
10/14/20 | Kelly Services | Marion, OH | Event registration link |
I look forward to this opportunity!
Yes I am ready
Yes I am ready
I'm ready 😊
I want a job near me with ups services
Hi want to know where is this know if is to fall Way from bronx ny have no car transportation
I look forward to hearing about what a great company you have and listening to all the job opportunities ahead! Hoping to build, learn, grow, and move forward with success.
Wait so this is all virtual? You don’t actually go to a job fair event? In person?
Will there be another one of these coming up because I just find out about this
My interview virtual was today April 12 from 10 AM to 11 Am. There was no interviewer to show four from 10 to 11 I stayed on but no one showed up to interview me so I’m confused about this and I’m waiting for an email because I didn’t get to be interviewed by the interviewer because the interviewer didn’t show up from 10 to 11 AM