34 Networking Method 3: Career Fairs & Events
Attending career fairs, employer information sessions, and networking events is an effective way to connect with employers and other professionals.
Career Fairs
A career fair is an event where many employers gather at the same venue to promote their organizations and recruit candidates. To get the most out of a career fair, follow these tips:
Before Attending a Career Fair
- Decide which employers you want to speak with and research these companies.
- Bring copies of your resume, general cover letter, and networking/business card.
- Practice your elevator speech/30-second interview.
- Have engaging, open-ended questions prepared.
At the Career Fair
- Present yourself professionally, as though you were attending a job interview.
- Get contact information from the employers that you are interested in.
After the Career Fair
- Follow up with the employers you connected with.
Employer Information Sessions
An employer information session is when one employer delivers a presentation about their organization to a group of interested candidates; this is often followed by a question and answer period, a networking session, or a brief interview. Make the most of these events by following these tips:
Before Attending the Information Session
- Research the company.
- Bring copies of your resume, general cover letter, and networking/business card.
- Practice your elevator speech/30-second interview.
- Have engaging, open-ended questions prepared.
At the Information Session
- Present yourself professionally, as though you were attending a job interview.
- Find out how to apply to the company.
After the Information Session
- Follow the instructions provided in the session to apply to the company.
Networking Events
A networking event, which can be general or industry-specific, offers a platform for making new connections and the opportunity to speak with other industry professionals in a more formal setting. In a world that has turned mostly online, getting out and meeting people face-to-face, where the expectations are already set out for you, offers great value in your job search.
Employers are prepared to speak with you directly about your experience and skills; it becomes the perfect opportunity to network and set yourself apart from your competition. As you will be one of many attendees, the pace may be very quick, so understand that you won’t have much time with each employer.
Prepare for these events as you would prepare for a career fair.
