Make Connections at Career Fairs (Whether You’re Unemployed or Not)

These days, you might assume that job hunting is an online affair – with job openings and resumes posted on the internet. But it would be a mistake to overlook the power of job and career fairs.

Job and career fairs offer an ideal opportunity for job seekers and employers to meet in person and get to know more about each other – in a setting that’s more relaxed than a formal job interview. It’s not uncommon for such meetings to lead to job interviews – or sometimes even on-the-spot job offers.

“But I’m Already Working”

Even if you’re currently employed, or in school, there are advantages to attending career fairs:

• If you are curious about a specific industry, target a job or career fair in that occupational category. You can meet employers and HR representatives in that field, collect business cards and learn about the education and experience required.
• You can also do a deep dive for information about specific employers, work environments and benefit packages by attending employer job fairs. This will expand your network.
• Attending a job fair when you’re not under the stress of finding a job will give you practice using your “elevator speech” (a clear, brief message about you and how you can benefit an employer).
• It helps to have a backup plan, because you never know whether a company is going to announce a layoff or closure. Attending a career fair is a great way to jumpstart Plan B because you will see what types of jobs exist. Even if layoffs are unlikely at your company, you never know if you can find the same position for more money somewhere else. You might even be able to land a better position with a different employer.

If you are going to attend a job fair while still employed, make sure your company is not participating. You run the risk of getting fired if your boss saw you looking for a new job.

READ the full article here: http://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/social-media/mnw-blog/?id=259168