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NETWORKING AT CAREER FAIRS:

Q:     I've attended attended a number of career fairs in my field, but I've noticed that my fellow job searchers seem to be more interested in checking out the other job searchers "and sizing up the competition" instead of handing out resumes to potential employers. What are career fairs really for -- networking,  or job hunting?"

Career fairs are great for both networking and job hunting, but I personally think they're best for networking, which is an essential ingredient for a successful job search.  Despite the proliferation of online job sites where job seekers and employers make connections via email, job and career fairs give you a chance to meet "in person" and to make lots of new contacts in one place, at one time. Career fairs make it easy for those who are shy about networking or unmotivated in a job search to get moving! 

People do get interviews (sometimes, on-the-spot at the fair) from attending these events, but mostly, job and career fairs exist for you to gather information about possible employers, and for them to get information about potential job candidates. Most jobs are still not advertised, they are buried in a "hidden" job market and awarded to those "in the know" through word of mouth.   Although you may not see many  jobs that suit your skills or career goals right at the fair, you may make a contact with a company representative who is your key to getting an interview at a later date for a job you'd really like. 

How do you work the room at a job or career fair?   Be prepared to "do business."  Don't come right from your workout, lugging lots of shopping bags, or with just five minutes to spare.  Block out at least an hour, preferably more if it's a large event.  Dress as you would for an interview, in business attire, and bring plenty of resumes, references, and writing samples.  Be focused on the task-at-hand: to let potential employers know about you, and to make a good presentation to the recruiters or HR people in the room.  Don't rush in too quickly, running from table to table without first surveying the room to see what companies are being represented.  Make your way first to the one you think you would like to work for the most.  If that table is very crowded, go to your next choice, then return when the crowd thins.  Some companies will ask you to do an Impromptu interview.   Obviously,  the best thing to do is accept, but if you are really short on time, or feel that you would do better after you've researched the company a bit more,   be honest about it, and ask if you can make an appointment for another time.   There is only so much time to talk to candidates, so you might also be required to do a group interview.   Don't let this rattle you!  Keep your mind on the fact that you are there to sell yourself to the employer, not to worry about the person sitting next to you.  Just focus on your own presentation the best you can, and you will keep your concentration and confidence.

Once you've visited with every employer of interest to you, it's appropriate to network with other applicants, if this is something you enjoy.  If you want to make social and support contacts this way, don't be obvious or disturb the recruiters who are there to do business.  Go outside the door or chat in the refreshment area, away from where the company recruiters are set up. Give out your business or personal cards, but don't give out lots of personal information about your job search.  Like it or not, your "newfound friend" is an active competitor!     On the other hand, keep in mind that a job that doesn't appear to another applicant might be just the right thing for you, and vice-versa.  Keep in touch and promise to send "referrals" of jobs to one another. You might even consider forming a networking and support group with other job hunters.  

Job and career fairs of every type occur virtually every day, and many will appear in your area.  You can learn about some of these events through search engines and professional sites on the Interent,  announcements in the classified sections of newspapers, and by word-of-mouth through your own contacts.   If you've never been one of these events and you're going to be job hunting this year, check them out!  Meanwhile, don't wait for a job or career fair to start networking.  You can make contacts every day, everywhere you go.  You should always be on the lookout for a chance to make new connections. Take your business and personal cards everywhere---to trade shows, social gatherings, sporting events, career fairs, alumni parties, even the laundromat or the bank. That nice woman chatting with you on the teller's line might just turn out to run a business in a field that you'd love to work in  (or have a son or daughter who turns out to be next new love of your life)!   Even if you are very shy and networking is hard for you, it's always proper to hand someone your card and say: "Here's my card, let's keep in touch." Keep your eyes and ears open, and your business cards handy. You just never know whom you might meet and where it might lead!

Tip: It's great to use your company business card for business-related contacts, but don't use your business card  (with the company's phone number) at job or career fairs unless you want your employer to know you're job hunting!  Get some inexpensive, personal cards make up at the local copy shop, or print them yourself on your desk jet or laser printer.  Your personal business cards should be fairly plain (white, grey, light blue paper with black, grey or navy blue ink) and include your name, phone number, and E-mail address.  A  general occupational title (Eg. "writer" or "economist," not your specific job title or company's name) is optional.  For privacy's sake, don't   put your home address on a card you're giving out to hundreds of strangers.    Most potential employers will contact you by phone or E-mail, anyway.   

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