Tips to succeed at Job Fairs

Man is a social animal who is constantly on the lookout for change. For a lot of us who are currently employed, job satisfaction is a rarity. And for freshers, who are seeking suitable jobs, it is always tempting to accept an offer that may appear to be great but not in the long run. For you to appropriately make a choice based on your interest and field of expertise, job fairs are conducted where multiple employers come under one roof and give you the choice to appear for a pre-determined number of interviews. However. job fairs tend to attract a lot of crowd which means added competition for you as a job seeker. So here are a few tips that will help you stay on top of others and excel at such career fairs.

Pre-Fair:

1. Shortlist your top companies

Carefully review the list of employers participating in the fair and select the top 7 companies of your choice based on their reputation, your field of interest and domain expertise

2. Research your shortlisted employers

Make sure that you research well on the companies that you have shortlisted as your priority. Browse their websites and other online properties to thoroughly know every single detail about the organization including their team, locations, business objectives, revenue model and other news related to them

3. Customize your resume

Prepare different resumes for the companies that you have selected to sit for. Based on their job description, tweak your profile to suit their requirement 

4. Practice an introductory speech

It is obvious that the first question that every recruiter asks is for you to introduce yourself. Why not prepare a really kickass brief that describes you in the most apt way with crisp and quirky words. First impression is always the best impression. So cash in on this and prepare a really good introduction for yourself

5. Prepare a list of questions for your recruiter

Always be ready with a set of intelligent and wise questions that you could ask your potential employer, such as, what is your strategy to drive sales in the digital space? or how did the inception of the company happen? and other such witty questions.

At the Fair:

1. Be punctual and dress appropriately

It is imperative for you to be on time or even a few minutes before time and dress in business formals to impress your recruiters

2. Plan your time well

Make sure that you schedule high priority companies first and then move to the rest. Such events could press you for time and if you do not manage well, you may not make optimum use of the opportunity in hand

3. Approach with confidence and humility

Firmly shake hands with the interviewer and hand out a clean crisp copy of your customized resume. Extend a warm welcome to them and stay focused and confident while responding to all their questions

4. Thank your recruiter

Request for the recruiters business card so you could send them "Thank you" notes after the fair. Immediately after the interview, politely thank your recruiters for their time. These gestures will definitely earn you brownie points, if not overdone!

Post-Fair:

1. Follow-up

Send out thank you emails to your recruiters and slyly ask for the status of the job position. Remember that you are in need of the job. Shed your ego and discover the developments in the position you are eyeing for

That's about it folks! These are really simple etiquette that you must follow while attending a job fair. Put your best foot forward and crack the deal! All the very best :)  

What not to do in a job interview!

My friend recently went for a job interview but miserably failed for silly mistakes that he could've easily avoided. For all those who are looking out for new jobs and are preparing for the D-Day, these are some points that you should definitely refrain from doing.

1. Oops..Forgot to check you online

It is imperative for anyone appearing for an interview to thoroughly research the company and its key people. Ensure that you browse the company's online properties and make a note of some of its founders and principles.

2. Liar Liar Pants on Fire!!

The worst you could for yourself is to lie in an interview and get blacklisted. Always resort to the truth and nothing but the truth. Stick to actual facts while preparing your resume rather than glorifying it with false and fancy statements.

3. But, I look my best in bright Red!

Dress decently. Guys should ideally stick to formals with a clean look and girls must be dressed in formals as well that's elegant and not distracting. Hair, make-up, accessories should all be very subtle and simple. 

4. Hey, how you doin?

Never ever make inappropriate gestures at your interviewer for any reason. Behave yourself and don't get flirtatious for any favors whatsoever. 

5. Questions for the interviewer? Errr...Ummm...NO!

Whenever you are given an opportunity to ask a question to the interviewer, be prepared to bowl him over with your spontaneity and wit. Pounce on the chance and ask a really brilliant question about the company's revenue model or any recent incident that they tackled. This is a golden opportunity for you to show your preparedness and intelligence.

6. Actually, I am angry right now. Could we do this tomorrow?

Never let yourself be in a bad mood. You must stay calm and collected during an interview to let your best personality come out in the open. Anger will just make things worse for you in any situation.

7. Follow up? Who me?

Yes that's right. You ought to follow-up after an interview. Remember, there is room for ego here. You won't lose anything if you call them up once or twice. You never know you may win this over someone else who proved to be a tad bit lazier.

8. Blah..Blah..Blah..

Stay crisp and clear with your words. Never give TMI (too much information) to the interviewer and for god's sake be audible and confident while you speak.

You may really think that these points are very silly and why would I create an entire article out of this. But trust me, these are some really crucial things to remember that we often don't pay attention to. I am just reminding these nuances to you. All the very best and crack it!