How to Improve Your Chances Getting a Job Interview at a Job Fair

With the unemployment rate at its highest in years, there is a bigger pool that employers can hire from, so you have to make yourself known. A good way is by checking out job fairs in your area. It is a good way to meet others and start networking. It is important that you have the right attitude when you attend a job fair, so you get the most out of it.
Joe was surprised when he got discharged from his job. He started putting the word out that he needed a job. He had success attending job fairs in the past, so he checked online to see what was out there, and found a local job fair he could attend.
Armed with several copies of his resume, Joe set out with an air of confidence. His confidence got a blow when he arrived at the site and saw the long line of people waiting to get in. This was going to be a very different experience than his last job search. As he walked down the line, he met friends and former coworkers. He tried to find out what was going on inside and how to deal with it. Some of his friends were veterans of the system and were glad to share some survival tips with him.
Check out these 10 tips:
1. Find out who is attending the job fair and which booths you want visit. Don't try to visit everyone, just focus on those that interest you.
2. Listing sheets let you know what positions are available for each business; be sure to pick one up. The use of a computer to find openings is another good way to find job listings if there is one available at the job fair.
3. Get a floor plan map -- usually at the entrance or information table. Plan a route to move around the floor quickly, visiting your companies of interest.
4. Don't let negative thoughts come into your mind. Let them know you are excited about the work. Take the time to talk to those representing the company; it is important to make a good impression.
5. Talk to the person who is hiring for the position you are interested in. Recruiters can be helpful regarding the company and what they are seeking, and human resources personnel can give you information on the hiring process and the company, but you can get more information about the job position by talking to the hiring manager.
6. Let the person you talk to know what you have to bring to the company. Be prepared with a short statement about yourself and your background -- less than two minutes. Try to hook the interviewer's interest with something unique about you.
7. Try to get a name or business card from anyone you talk to so you can use the name as a reference when you follow up.
8. Don't forget to follow up by mailing your resume to the appropriate departments. Tell them you enjoyed the job fair and talking to -- (give the name of the person you talked to.) Share with them that you can see yourself filling the position. Tell them you are the answer to their dilemma, and you can resolve their problem.
9. Let them know you are still interested, give them a call to follow up on the position about a week after you send your follow up resume.
10. Attending job fairs can help you find that job you are looking for. Follow up with any businesses that you were unable to visit during the fair by researching the materials you collected at the fair and searching the Internet for their job postings.
Stay focused when you attend a job fair. You might find yourself overwhelmed by the size of the fair or the number of job seekers. Remember to visit those businesses that interest you. It is not always the hiring manager at the fair, so don't expect to get hired on the spot. This should be just one step in your research and networking process.
Be persistent in your endeavors -- job opportunities sometimes come from the least expected sources at the most unexpected times. Consider any new contacts you meet or information gathered at the job fair as a positive addition to your resources.

Carole Martin is America's #1 Interview Coach and is recognized as the interview expert The Interview Coach, for personal interviewing skills that will focus on your specific needs, visit Personal Interview Coaching

Article Source: http://www.c3careerarticles.com

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