Working the campus job fair
There’s a campus job fair coming to your school soon. Should you attend? If you’ve been ignoring the invites to these events, here are reasons why you might want to change your mind:
They provide enhanced exposure. The recruiters know you’re probably not available for work yet, so they are there more to scout for talents for future company openings. If you submit your application now, you can be placed in their active file, a potential candidate to contact once you’re ready to enter the workplace.
They offer a learning experience. Job fairs often have seminars and forums with expert guest speakers who can give the lowdown on the labor scenario, career prospects, hot jobs, skills in demand and other useful tips you can certainly use later.
You can get access to free services. Job sites such as JobStreet.com can help you in more ways than one. If you sign up with them, you can avail of free services such as job alerts, e-newsletters and advanced information that can make job-hunting so much faster and easier.
Campus job fairs can indeed present unexpected opportunities and lucky breaks for you. So next time one comes around, be ready to do the following:
Know the fair layout. From the fair brochure or website, find out which employers of interest are joining and where their booths are located. This way, you minimize time and energy wasted on the fair grounds.
Bring lots of resumes. Tote along copies of a well-crafted resume (two pages at most), detailing relevant courses and your academic strengths and achievements. If you have one, bring along a career portfolio of your college projects, such as published articles in the college paper or exhibited paintings.
Research companies. It only takes a few minutes to get basic data about a company you like through the Net. Read up on its business, vision, products, customers, market, etc. so you can hold intelligent discussions with the recruiter. It’s also a way to find out which companies are employee friendly.
Suit up for the occasion. Dress in more formal attire than what you might normally wear to class. Practice a firm handshake, make eye contact and flash a warm smile. Speak clearly and avoid turnoff postures such as fidgeting, giggling or slouching.
Say what you want. If you land an on-the-spot interview, be prepared to tell the interviewer the kind of job you want. You needn’t be so specific, but neither should you be so clueless as to say, “I’m available for any opening you have.”
Send a thank-you letter. Leave a good impression with the recruiter by writing him a brief thank-you note after the job fair. Aside from thanking him for his time, stress your interest in working with the company in the near future.
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