Virtual job fairs are a great way to expand your career search in a convenient, efficient way. You are able to meet with prospective employers from anywhere in the world, saving you time and maximizing your efforts. However, you have to be sure to prepare beforehand in order to best utilize your time with the recruiters.
Here are some tips to help you get ready for your next virtual job fair:
Update your resume. Be sure to have your most up-to-date resume available to share during the virtual fair, as you may have an opportunity to email or upload it during the fair. Make sure to include your impressive metrics in order to best tell the story of your time with your current employer.
Practice your pitch. You may have an opportunity to speak about yourself and your qualifications during the virtual fair, so having your quick elevator pitch memorized will be extremely helpful. It can help to take some notes and practice in the mirror or with a friend a few times before the fair, and make sure your pitch is no longer than 1 minute.
Test your technology. Although virtual meeting platforms have come a long way, there are still bugs and glitches that can make your participation in the virtual job fair challenging. Make sure to test your device the night before to make sure your connection is working and you can easily access the platform. If you have any issues, be sure to contact the event organizer as soon as possible.
Prepare your environment. While the versatility of virtual job fairs is one of the best reasons to join one, it can backfire if your surroundings are distracting to the hosts or other participants. Minimizing the ambient noise and finding a place that offers the least distracting background you can find (or using a digital background) will be the best way to make a good impression.
Prepare your questions. It’s best to come with a few key questions ready to ask the recruiters during the event. These can be questions about the company, the role being discussed, or about the best way you can show your qualifications to the employer. You may have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a recruiter as well, so having a couple extra questions wouldn’t hurt.
Take notes. Your notes will help you with your decision making after the virtual fair is over. You can refer back to what you learned about the job and the company in order to make the best decision for your next career move, as well as follow-up on anything that was unclear or confusing in your next conversation with the recruiter.
Follow next steps instructions. The recruiter will explain what the next steps are following the event, so be sure to pay attention to those instructions and ask clarifying questions as needed. A sense of urgency is crucial at this point, since all the other participants who met with the recruiter will be your competition!
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, send an email to staff@thereisnergroup.com to learn more about the opportunities The Reisner Group has to offer you.