A step-by-step guide on how to leave a lasting impression on employers

It can be difficult for job seekers to stand out amongst other applicants when all an employer has to evaluate them on is a resume. While a resume is an important document that includes relevant information like experience and technical skills, it doesn’t showcase a person’s interpersonal skills or personality, which can only be done in a one-on-one conversation.

Job fairs offer an excellent opportunity for job seekers to meet directly with and impress employers before they even submit a resume. Employers who attend job fairs set up tables which are staffed by recruiters willing to answer questions, discuss open job roles, and accept resumes. A successful conversation with a recruiter or even with a fellow job seeker can create an important professional connection that could lead to future job opportunities.

Speaking directly with employers – and the preparation required beforehand – can feel a bit overwhelming. For that reason, JVS Toronto has created a helpful guide on how to succeed at a job fair.

Before the Job Fair: Get Prepared

Step 1: Read the job advert very carefully

This document or webpage will include important information, such as which employers will be attending the job fair, location, time, and details on how to register.

Step 2: Research the employers

Learn more the employers to properly assess which ones meet your career goals and to create thoughtful questions to include in your conversations with recruiters. Remember to avoid asking any questions that are answered in the job description or on the company’s website.

Step 3: Prepare your resume

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile prior to attending the job fair. (Be sure to include your LinkedIn profile’s URL in your resume.) Print multiple copies of your resume to hand out at the job fair, and even think about creating resumes tailored to the employers that interest you the most.

Step 4: Write an elevator pitch

Create a short introductory statement – about 30-60 seconds long when read out loud – that highlights your key skills, experiences, and suitability for an employer’s job openings.

Step 5: Practice makes perfect

Practice delivering your elevator pitch and answering mock interview questions to better prepare yourself for speaking with recruiters.

AI tools can be useful when preparing for a job fair, offering assistance with crafting an elevator pitch, practice interview questions, or organizing your research on employers. But remember, AI is merely a tool, and it’s your personal touch that will leave a lasting and meaningful impression on employers.

During the Job Fair: Make Connections

Step 1: Before you arrive

You want to appear clean and professional when meeting the recruiters. Make sure you are well-groomed, wearing professional attire, and have a comfortable pair of shoes. (Job fairs involve lots of standing and walking.) The copies of your resume and employer questions should be stored neatly inside a folder or portfolio.

Step 2: Arriving at the job fair and approaching employers

Arriving early to beat the long lines and speak with recruiters at the beginning of the fair, which is when they’ll have the most energy. Approach recruiters with confidence by smiling, making eye contact, giving a firm handshake, and introducing yourself clearly (the elevator pitch).

Step 3: Speaking with recruiters

Use this opportunity to learn more about the recruiter’s employer, showcase your experience and skills, and create important professional connections that could help in your job search.

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when speaking with recruiters:

Keep your mobile phone on ‘silent.’
Maintain eye contact during your conversation.
Don’t talk about salary or benefits as this is merely an introductory conversation.
See if they’re open to connecting on LinkedIn
Have a LinkedIn QR code handy to easily share your profile.
Ask the thoughtful questions you prepared in advance.
Keep the conversation short and to the point.

If the conversation is going well, but the recruiter has a line-up of people waiting to speak with them, ask if they’d like to continue your chat over a brief, 15–30-minute phone or video call. Once you’ve finished speaking with a recruiter, take notes on job names, job titles, and any other important details from your conversation.

Step 4: Network with your fellow job seekers

Meet your peers and learn from their experiences. While they may not be employers, networking with the other people at the job fair could lead to unexpected career opportunities.

After the Job Fair: Follow Up

Step 1: Apply promptly

If you discussed a specific job role with a recruiter, make sure to submit your application as soon as possible.

Step 2: Send follow-up emails

Reach out to the recruiters you spoke with to express your gratitude for their time and continued interest in any open job roles. Keep the email short and reference your conversation from the job fair.

Step 3: Follow-up on LinkedIn

Send connection requests to the recruiters and job seekers with whom you spoke. When you send the connection request, include a brief message that references your conversation at the job fair.

Step 4: Reflect on your experience

Look back on the conversations you had with the recruiters, thinking about what went well and what you could improve on.

All of these follow-up activities should be completed within 24-48 hours after the job fair while the conversations you had with the recruiters and other job seekers are still fresh in their minds.

Job fairs are a powerful tool in a job search, offering job seekers a great opportunity to learn about the jobs available in their community. Not every conversation will lead to a job, but every connection made strengthens their professional network.

Click here to access JVS Toronto’s events calendar to see upcoming job fairs.