Real LIVE Career Fairs Are the Way To Find a Great Job

By:  Roger Lear

I have seen a trend lately that may really help job seekers attend some real "LIVE" career fairs.  I say real, because after the recession, most employers who chopped out of their budgets live career fairs seem to be coming back.

Roger Lear Speaks at DCF 11/21/14

So many live career fairs in the last couple years just didn't have the great jobs many of the job seekers were pursuing.  Many of the jobs were low paying or commission based with many companies that many never even heard of (even though some of the best jobs are at these types of companies).

A good job fair makes public the names of all the companies attending and the jobs they have available.  That way, you can research the companies and really be prepared for the career fair.  If you can't get this information before the career fair, don't waste your time and stay home.

However, if you find a great Career Fair, do the following to maximize your your time and really get some great leads:

1. Research the companies, identify the jobs that fit and seek out the recruiters at those companies and let them know the jobs you specifically are interested in interviewing.

2. Get at least a business card of the person you speak with.  If you don't reach out to them after the career fair (no matter how great your conversation was), their is a great chance they will be too busy to get back to you.  Follow up is the key!

3. When researching the companies, see what types of positions they have (the ones that are not open), and approach the recruiters and ask them if they foresee any of those jobs opening up in the next three months.  You just never know.

4.  Make sure your resume matches the jobs you uncover.  Do not let a bad resume prevent you from getting the job you are qualified to do.  Recruiters are good but they can't interpret a bad resume.

5. Dress great, smile and make a great impression!

The largest career fair in the southeast takes place on November 21, 2014 at the Amway Center.  Yes, this is one you NEED to be at!  All the information is here.