An Overview of How Career Fairs Work

Career fairs are events designed to introduce students or potential employees to opportunities within their field of interest. Employers, businesses and organizations set up booths and informational sessions to showcase what they do and the talent they’re looking for.

There are multiple styles of career fairs. Some have an emphasis on specific fields or careers, and others are a general fair. They can be a marvellous way to connect with employers or future business partners but manage your expectations. Most participants will not walk away with a job offer but should walk away with valuable insight, and important contacts that could develop into something more if you play your cards right.

Preparation

Though enormous rooms packed with bodies and booths may give off an atmosphere of a comic-con or food fair, this is a professional event and should be treated as one. First impressions at a career fair can make or break a contact or job offer. Make sure you are wearing business-professional clothing and have resumes or business cards to hand out. Bring a briefcase or professional handbag to accept pamphlets, business cards or other promotional material.

Make sure you have monitored the event beforehand and taken notes of who you want to connect with, and which speakers you want to see.

Marketing

You will market yourself at a career fair, whether you are an attendee or a presenter. Your job is to connect with employers, employees or other businesses. Make sure you’ve done your research and formed an agenda. This will allow you to research the right companies or potential recruits so your questions can go deeper than what is available on a website or LinkedIn page. You need to be knowledgeable and have formed a pitch that introduces who you are, your skills and accomplishments, and what you have to offer. It needs to be engaging but informative.

Presentations

Most fairs will include seminars or keynote speakers that offer helpful advice, insider tips and encouragement to the job-hunter. Even if this is the only helpful thing you take away, it’s important to listen and pay attention. These speakers will be respected in the industry and will have helpful insight.

Take advantage of speakers in your field of interest, soak up as much information as you can about the ins and outs of your dream career – but don’t neglect the other speakers! Unexpected topics may surprise or inspire you to try something new. You may create partnerships that you wouldn’t normally consider.

Overall, these fairs can be a wonderful way to learn more about your future career, or foster connections that can further opportunities and relationships in the professional world.

Related Posts: Virtual Career Fair – May 13th – Virtual Tech Talent Day

What Are Career Fairs: Are They Worth It?

BC Jobs: Hosts 1st Virtual Marketing Career Fair

About the Author

Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development,  marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to BC Jobs, he served as a marketing advisor for high-profile blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM, and Ripple. He’s also worked with fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space.