If you’ve never attended a job fair, you might be wondering what to expect in terms of conversation with a recruiter. The truth is, it depends on the job and the recruiter. But, there are some standard questions they may ask, and it’s great to go in prepared to answer these questions.
Your Background- Recruiters will often start with introducing themselves and asking you what your name is. This is a lead-in to your background. They might say “Do you currently have a job?” Or, “What is your current work experience?” They are looking to see if you are a good fit, based on the openings they have and the requirements for those openings. Go into the fair with a good, rehearsed speech about your work experience. You don’t want to bore them, so be brief. Talk about your major accomplishments and responsibilities. Highlights only. If they ask for more information, you can always give it to them.
Your Goals- It’s important for a recruiter to know what you are aiming for. It’s like shopping for a wedding dress or a car. The sales person will want to know what your tastes are, what your needs are, and how to best help you. Recruiters might have jobs to offer you, but they might not be the kind of job you are trying to get. So, be prepared to tell them, in a way that’s brief and concise, what you want to accomplish in your career. “I hope to eventually work my way up to Creative Director at a company, so I am looking for jobs that involve product design, writing, and marketing.”
Your Soft Skills- While your hard skills are important, often a recruiter will want to know how you deal with conflict, whether you prefer to be an individual contributor or a leader, or how you perform under pressure. They may not ask these things, but it’s wise to demonstrate them throughout your conversation voluntarily.
Coming to a job fair might mean the difference between getting a job now and getting one in a month or so. Make it a priority to sign up and show up. It can’t hurt to gain a competitive edge in a competitive market.