What should one bring with them when attending free job fairs?

Answer 1

When attending a free job fair, one should always dress professionally and respectably. One should also bring a pen, contact information (best in the form of a business card), resumes, and some form of calendar or PDA.

Answer 2

When preparing to go to Job Fairs you must make sure you have your resume ready, a business card and make sure you look professional. You are potentially meeting future employers so this is your first and maybe last chance to make an impression. Make sure you look presentable and prepared. Get ready to sell yourself so it would be beneficial to go through some practice interview questions just incase someone asks. Overprepping is rarely a bad thing.

Answer 3

If you are currently searching for employment, consider attending a job fair. A job fair is an event that allows job seekers to network with potential employers to find employment. If you are interested in attending a job fair, then you must prepare for the big event. There are three important items that all job seekers should take with them to a job fair.

A Current Resume

The employers at the job fair will want to know about your work history, experience and work-related skills. So, take time to prepare a professional resume to bring with you to the job fair. It is important that your resume reflects your qualifications that pertain to the positions that you are applying for. If you already have a resume, make sure that it is up-to-date before you attend the job fair.

Your resume should include a header at the top of the page with your current contact information (full legal name, mailing address, telephone number(s) and email address). Your resume may also include a career objective, and details about your educational background, work experience (present and former positions), job-related skills and professional organizations that you belong to.

It is a good idea to take several copies of your resume to the job fair. To get an idea of how many copies you will need, simply contact the organization that is sponsoring the job fair. The job fair coordinator can tell you the names of the companies and businesses that will be in attendance at the job fair.

Proof of Credentials

Although your resume contains information about your credentials, it is helpful to take documents to the job fair that can validate your qualifications, such as photocopies of your college diploma(s) and transcripts; copies of licenses and certifications that you earned in that field of study; and a portfolio displaying samples of your work. You may also make photocopies of any types of awards and special recognitions that you received (if those items are relevant to your career objective).

List of Professional References

Your reference list should include those individuals who have knowledge about your academic accomplishments and/or work experience and skills. For instance, you may include current or former supervisors or co-workers on your reference list. You may also include college professors, academic counselors, or your coach on the list.

Do not include personal references (family members and friends) on your reference list. If you want to provide employers with both professional and personal references, then create two separate sections on your reference sheet. Keep in mind that you should have at least three professional references on your list (preferably five).

Don't forget to contact your references prior to going to the job fair to verify that you have their current contact information on file.

Job fairs can be exciting and also a great way to find employment. Be sure to dress professionally when you attend a job fair and put on a pleasant smile when you meet with employers. Good luck on your job search!