The Big Picture

Sometimes, jobseekers are discouraged when they attend job fairs and are told by the employers to apply online. Even if you don't get to hand in your résumé at the booth, there are still benefits to attending a job fair:

-You make personal contact with an employer - be evaluated on more than just your résumé. You now have an advantage over the faceless, voiceless individuals who have applied online. If the employer connects with you, they could ask recruiting to look for your résumé in those that have been received from the website.

-You can get a business card and follow-up with that person after the résumé is submitted online. Even if you don't get a job with that company, there is the potential to turn that person into a networking contact and information source. You may even run into an old colleague or classmate and that accidental connection can prove to be quite valuable.

-Before you leave the job fair, return to the booth of any employer in which you have an interest. Wait for a break in the action, then step up to the Recruiter and thank them again for their time. Let them know that you will be in touch and that you look forward to speaking with them again.

-You may ask questions about the organization's hiring practices and the company's culture. This will give you an insider's perspective that you may not be able to get anywhere else.

-Job Fairs are an 0pportunity to practice your 30 second sell aka elevator speech. This is a great way to polish your answer to the common interview question, "Tell me about yourself".

Job Fairs are not the only way to get into a company, but they should be part of a well-rounded job search strategy.