Finding a job is no doubt a daunting task; so much so that job seekers tend to look far and wide in order to find the best methods they believe will lead to the best jobs. And even after investing so much time and energy they often discover that all strategies have not been utilized.
One example of such under utilized methods is the use of job fairs which are often overlooked. This is because many job seekers get annoyed with the full capacity, hectic activity, and baffling series of events associated with job fairs. Such crowded spaces and the annoyance which they invoke do not reduce the effectiveness of job fairs as the best places to land a job.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment is likely to be boosted by 15%, a subsequence of which would be an enhanced capacity of job fairs as the best places to find a job since many companies will be participating in these events.
There is also the possibility of a misperception about how crowded job fairs are, because when you really think about it, they are not really that bustling. The important thing is to provide the necessary information, documents (where applicable) and desire needed for a job application and the rest, as they say, is history.
Here are a few things a job seeker must have by the time s/he is at the job fair in order to make the most out of it:
1. Advance research can be very helpful.
Most job seekers aim to find the best employment possible. Hence, it is important to do some advance research before going to a job fair. Usually, the organizers of this event will post information about companies that will participate in the job fair. Obtaining some information about the companies and the position being offered would be an edge over the others.
2. Job seekers should have enough resumes.
It would be a good idea for job seekers to have enough copies of their resumes, at least 25, before going to the job fair. This way, the applicant will be able to provide resumes to all the potential employers in a job fair. Your chances of securing employment increases with the number of applications (and resumes) you submit.
3. Job seekers should know how important it is to dress for the occasion.
According to the old adage, the first impression is a lasting impression. Therefore, in order to be cut above the rest of job seekers, an individual should learn how to impress his or her future employer by dressing to impress. The attire should project a professional outlook, enthusiasm, and determination to get the job that s/he really wants.
4. Job seekers should be prepared for some on-the-spot interviews.
5. An applicant should have a list of the companies where he or she had given his or her resume.
Knowing these things can be very helpful, especially if it is the applicant’s first time at a job fair. Hence, people should be more aware of the benefits they can derive simply by participating in job fairs.