Looking for a new job can be intimidating, but knowing where to find resources to help in preparation of a career change can be a lifesaver. Job fairs are a great way to get in touch with various employers all at once and can be a great resource for networking. The key to attending a Dallas job fair is being prepared before you get there! Preparing for a job fair is crucial in terms of your personal success at the event. There are a few ways you can prepare for a Dallas job fair that will guarantee you will leave the event feeling confident in your job search and knowing exactly what your next step should be.
Some job fair companies post the participating employers on their website before the event, allowing you the opportunity to do some research ahead of time. Take advantage of this! Take the time to research companies that sound appealing to you, get to know their culture to see if it is a company you would like to work for, and see what job openings are available. Localwork.com is also a job board, and many times participating companies will post open positions on the job board prior to the event, take note of any positions that are of interest to you. This way when you meet with the recruiters face-to-face, you can discuss the open position you are planning to apply for. This will give you a leg up on your competitors, showing employers that you have come prepared, further proving how determined you are to jump into a new career. Coming prepared with this information will also help you when the recruiter asks the age old question, “What kind of job are you looking for?” By doing your research ahead of time, you can answer this question with a direct position that you saw available on our website or theirs.
One of the most important components to a job search is your resume! It is important to have a nice, clean, to-the-point resume that is going to attract employers. Before attending a Dallas job fair, make sure you edit and update your our resume so that it is only be one page long, and your contact email is professional and appropriate (this is crucial). Remember that these recruiters are handed resumes all day long, which means yours needs to stand out. They are drawn to resumes that are short, sweet, and to the point. Your resume should elaborate on your work history, key qualifications, education, and personal traits that make you the perfect candidate for the job. Remember to list characteristics that show what an asset you would be to their company. While most employers will require that you submit your resume online, it never hurts to have a few on hand. Bring about 15 resumes to hand out; this may seem like a lot but it is always better to have too many than not enough!
This one may come as a surprise but it is actually a great way in which you can prepare for a Dallas job fair ahead of time. Looking the part is half of the battle. Planning your outfit in advance will save you from stressing over it morning of the event, when you should be spending your time mentally preparing for your interactions with recruiters. Pick an outfit that shows your professionalism. You don’t necessarily need to wear a 3 piece suit, but you should wear something that employers are going to recognize as professional and appropriate for the workplace. Avoid wearing flip-flops, shorts, or too-revealing clothing. If you want to be taken seriously as a potential employee, you need to look the part. Plus it is fairly well known that when you dress for success, you feel more confident, and that is exactly how you need to go into your next job fair event. If you want to be taken seriously as a job seeker, looking the part is one of the first steps.
Punctuality is such an appealing attribute for employers searching for new employees. The majority of job fairs last between 2-3 hours; arriving early will help you avoid crowds and allow you more time with each recruiter. We always tell our job seekers to talk to each and every employer because you never know what positions they have open internally that they aren’t necessarily advertising. By showing up early it will ensure that you have time to talk to each employer without feeling rushed. Pre-registering for the event online will also help you get through the registration line faster.
By utilizing the tips above, you are guaranteed to feel confident when attending your next job fair. While making connections with different recruiters, remember that they may not all be offering what you are looking for, but recruiters know OTHER recruiters. Be confident with the type of position you are looking for, showcase what great qualities you have to offer any company, and maybe the recruiter you are talking with will know of someone else looking for a candidate to fill the position you are in search of. The great thing about job fairs is they allow you to have face-to-face interactions with an employers prior to an official interview. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, use tyour next job fair to do just that.