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Tips to Successfully Navigate A Career Fair

Navigating a Career Fair can be quite intimidating if you have never attended one in person before. Here you will find some advice from The Broadmoor on how to make your attendance at a career fair more successful for both you and your potential employer. 

Benefits of Attending a Career Fair in Person

  • It is important to foster meaningful connections with potential employers. When your first interaction is in-person a lot can be said through body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures that can be lost in translation when you meet with a potential employer virtually.
  • Foster your networking community. It can sometimes be difficult and overwhelming to navigate virtual event without that sense of community and excitement that in person career fairs tend to foster in their environment. It is encouraged to have a friend join you, or attend networking groups in your community, so you can build your own community of contacts.
  • Faceless distractions in person. Virtually you could face a multitude of issues, with an in-person career fair, you can plan your day and adjust on the go.

When you attend a career fair either virtually or in-person it is important to prepare for this opportunity to engage with your future employers. Use this opportunity to stand out of the crowd.

Do Your Research

Prior to attending a career fair either virtually or in-person you should always do your research on the company and job position you would like to apply to beforehand.

When you apply to The Broadmoor for example, it is helpful to view their Broadmoor Careers website to view the many open positions for the variety department positions they have available. Once you find the position you would like to apply for, make sure your resume highlights any prior experience you may have.

Dress to Impress

 When attending an in-person or virtual career fair, conservative, professional business attire is a must!  Dress as though you are already apart of the team. A nice wrinkle free and pressed suit is always a great way to start. 

  • Dress in a dark or neutral color matching business suit.
  • Wear freshly pressed clothing and polished dress shoes.
  • Keep makeup as natural as possible. Avoid flashy or bright nail polish.
  • Grooming is important: hair and nails should be neat and clean.

Know Your Elevator Pitch

It is helpful to prepare a 30 second introduction about can help your future employer at get acquainted with you prior to a pre-screening interview. Creating an elevator pitch helps you organize what information and skills you would like highlight about yourself while on the go. This can help the recruiters help determine what you’re looking for in a career and what department might be a good fit for you.

Bring a Well-Polished Resume

A resume advertises you and the unique skills you can bring to a company. Make sure to include the basics, education, work experience, leadership/extracurricular experience, and skills.

Another great tip is to make sure you bring a few hard copies of your resume to the career fair. This gives recruiters the opportunity to review it in person and ask any questions about you and your experience.

First Impressions Count

It’s normal to be slightly nervous when meeting with potential employers, so be aware of what your body language says and practice your conversational skills. Remember to be confident and maintain eye contact, smile, be enthusiastic, and most importantly have a positive attitude. Find a balance of asking questions, and active listening. Don’t monopolize the conversation. This can help the recruiters know you are serious and are actively looking for a job.

Ask the Right Questions

Use each discussion with a recruiter as an opportunity. Increase your knowledge of the employer and its job options helps the recruiter to determine what position you may be best suited for with their company.

Examples Of Questions To Ask

  • What career opportunities are available in your organization?
  • What opportunities do you have for someone with a background in Human Resources?
  • What type of training is available?
  • What do you look for in candidates?
  • What key skills/experiences are highly desirable?
  • Do you have any tips for success in the Hospitality Industry?

Follow-Up With A Thank-You Email:

Ask the recruiter how you can follow-up. If they provide you with their business card, write notes about your interaction with them, so that you can mention this in you thank-you email and jog their memory about who you are. Another great way to network is to add the recruiter as a contact on LinkedIn.

For more information about The Broadmoor and how you can view a list of our open positions, visit our careers website HERE.