Do your research before attending job fair

By Sue Davis Smith
Iowa.com

Job fairs offer a great opportunity to get face-to-face with area employers. It’s opportunity ripe for plucking. Before you go to a job fair, consider this advice:

• Research job fair companies. Employers use job fairs to fill immediate openings, contract work or internships. Identify the ones that fit your skills and interests. Check our iGuide  to see if the business has customized a profile page.
• Prepare your elevator speech. This is a short response to the inevitable “tell me about yourself.” Think of it as your own 30-second commercial.
• Dress professionally. Leave the denims and T-shirts at home but don’t overdress. Think business casual.
• Ask intelligent questions. Prepare some questions in advance. It shows you’ve done your research.
• Leave your resume. Leave your resume and a business card with the company rep. Make sure you walk away with a business card, too.
• After the fair, take notes. Write down which companies interested you. If you wait too long, you may forget key conversations.
• Follow up on those conversations. If you offered to share your website, remember to do so. It’s imperative to send a thank you note. Write or e-mail each person you met thanking them for their time. It’s OK to remind them of your job goals and the skills and experience you can bring to their company.

Here are some places that offer job fair information. Colleges & universities may offer additional information about job fairs in your area:

• Corridor Careers
• Iowa Workforce Development
• Consider Iowa