How to Make the Best Impression Possible at a Careers Fair

One of the best places for anyone that's looking to jumpstart a career or move one forward is a job fair. There are plenty of opportunities to learn more about companies, meet potential employers, make contacts through networking and even learn more about hiring policies.

Just being there can already bring on certain benefits, but successful attendance is a whole new level. Taking responsibility for whatever the final outcome is just as important as preparing for it. Since there will be an abundance of employers in one place, connecting with many is vital.

Read on to learn more about how to make the best impression possible at any job fair:

Arrive Early

When was the last time you had a long day of customer-facing work? Didn't you feel yourself starting to fade away during the latter parts? As the old saying goes, "the early bird catches the worm." Position yourself as if you were one of the recruiters you're hoping to talk to. You will likely catch them in a better, more open mood if you approach them within the first hour or three.

Communicate Appropriately

No matter how kind and approachable a recruiter is, make sure to strike a balance between casual and professional. Handshakes should not be crushing, but firm. Recruiters will take kindly to being able to talk about the company and even its vacancies.

Have a quick pitch at hand that's only a few minutes worth. Summarise work experience, accomplishments and employer benefits. You don’t want to bore them with the details, do you?

Dress Appropriately

An ideal starting point is to view the job fair as a serious job interview. Dress appropriately: wear whatever attire is appropriate for your industry and level. Wearing a baggy sweatsuit when applying for a hotel front-of-house job, for example, is not ideal. That would require something far more formal, such as a suit for guys and a pencil skirt and heels for ladies. Naturally, good posture should be observed at all times.

Also, pay attention to your nervous habits, body language and way of speaking. Make confidence a part of your outfit, too!

Have Important Documents at Hand

This may go without saying, but it's key to bring multiple copies of the resumé. Be sure to print your resume on high-quality paper. Bring a notebook or notepad with writing instruments such as pencils and pens. The pens, in particular, are important since there will likely be plenty of application forms at the fair. At least one master set of the following needs to be on hand at all times:

• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• References
• Transcript

Even the means of bringing these documents should be proper. A briefcase, portfolio or a plain, clean envelope are ideal.

Conclusion

Job fairs can help you land your dream job, so it’s only proper to take them seriously. In order to make the most of the fair, preparation is key. Make the best impression at a job fair by communicating appropriately, having important documents at hand and arriving early. When you are well-prepared, you’re one step ahead of other applicants and one step closer to your dream job.

Planning to apply for jobs when you’re all done with university? Check out The UK Careers Fair today! We’re the United Kingdom’s leading provider of job fairs, recruitment events and career fairs.