HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF A JOB FAIR
which employers are conducting second interviews in that area. Survey
the area as a military general would in planning an attack strategy.
Know specifically who you want to talk to and in what specific order.
But be ready to change your plan if long lines suddenly appear in your
planned corridor of attack.
Instead of just getting into line, approach the employer booth from
the side and quietly pick up some of the slick glossies that are
prominently displayed on the table. Then take a few steps back. The
reason for this is twofold: first, you now have in your hands some
extremely valuable pre-interview reading material; second, and most
important, you have an opportunity to get a free preview of the
employer and recruiter. How? By staying put four to six feet away and
listening. You will be far enough away to be unobtrusive, yet still
within earshot of the conversation that is taking place. Listen to
what the recruiter asks. Be prepared to answer the same questions
yourself. Listen to the responses. Did the recruiter respond
positively or negatively? Listen to two or three different interviews
to compare different responses. If there is more than one recruiter
for the employer, note the different styles of each and choose the
line behind the one who is the closest fit to your own personality
range.
Although you usually do not have to ask permission to pick up the
company materials that are displayed, occasionally recruiters will
tell you that the information is only for candidates they have already
met with (translated: those they have determined they have an interest
in). Simply respond, "I'm planning to wait in line and would like to
learn more about your company during the wait." Should normally work.
If you have done your homework properly, you should be able to
determine what the employer's needs are and what they are specifically
looking for in filling those needs. Ask yourself two questions: (1)
"Is this something I'm interested in?" and (2) "Am I able to show that
I am qualified for the position(s) they are offering?" If your answer
to either question is "No," then don't waste your time by standing in
line. No use standing in a line with Convergys for a networking job,
when they are only hiring customer care executives.
If you have an interest in what the employer has to offer and you can
meet its basic needs, it is time to get in line yourself. This is the
time to really soak up the information in the employer materials you
have already picked up from the table. Remember, most people do not
get this information until after they have met with the employer, so
you have a great advantage to start. Plus you are not forced to stare
blindly off into space as 90+% of job seekers do while standing in
line (therefore reaching the same level of mental alertness achieved
by a five-year-old who is mesmerized trancelike in front of the TV
screen). You will be, on the other hand, mentally alert and focused on
what is important to the employer and its recruiters, and what your
role can be in furthering the employer's goals.
Our natural tendency is to get in the line, not to go immediately to
the front and then stand off to the side. Maybe we are afraid that we
will be perceived as attempting to cut in line, ready to dart to the
front when no one else is looking. Remember, you are NOT cutting in –
only gathering reading material.
And the advantages far outweigh any negative vibes you may get from
those in the queue - you not only have all the employer materials in
advance, but you also know what questions will be asked. You will be
fully prepared, instead of groping in the dark.
Courtesy - Jobnet Job Magazine www.jobnetonline.com
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