Searching for a job can be an exciting journey, but it can also be difficult. It takes time and patience to find, apply, and interview for a position that best fits your needs and skills.
Job fairs provide an excellent opportunity to streamline this process—so why are job seekers not attending them as frequently as they should? Here are just a few reasons to attend a hiring event in your community.
Practice makes perfect.
Job fairs are a much less formal way to meet potential employers than an interview. This is your chance to practice your elevator speech and learn how to dress and conduct yourself in a professional manner. The lessons you learn at a career event can easily translate to a formal interview, or in some cases, being hired on the spot.
Best of all… it’s free!
Explore various careers.
Hiring events are usually comprised of several companies in the area. This means that various workplace environments, industries and career options are represented. This provides a unique opportunity to explore the various options open to you.
Meeting a recruiter at a career fair also allows you to be introduced to a potential employer in a more casual manner. This gives you another perspective into what the company culture is really like, something an interview can’t always provide.
Build your network.
Your professional network can play a critical part in your future career and its success. A job fair is the perfect opportunity to begin building one. You can touch base with dozens of employers in one day, learn about them and what types of jobs they offer.
Companies don’t always post every opening they have on job boards. By skipping job fairs, you could be missing out on exclusive opportunities recruiters are only telling event attendees, or be top of mind when a new one opens.
Go virtual.
More and more companies are hosting virtual job fairs to keep everyone’s health and safety a priority. It’s easier than ever to attend an event; simply log in from the comfort of your own home.
Remember: just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can look and behave sloppily. Make sure to be well-groomed, dress and behave professionally, and have a copy of your resume handy—just like you would at an in-person event.
Wherever you might be in the job search process, The Reserves Network can help. Browse our current job openings or contact us to discuss career options and opportunities.