Dispelling myths about career fairs

Given the intricacies of the job market that prevail today, you need to begin your job hunt as early as possible. And it is always advisable to establish direct liaison with potential employers. Career fairs are one place where you are afforded an opportunity to do so. You get to interact with likely employers and learn more about what an employment in a company is all about.

Career fairs are excellent places to interact with company representatives from corporations of all industries and sizes during a short period of time. Every job fair has a set of similar, basic elements or processes that require your attention. Attending a career fair is a very easy effort. You must go there with an open mind. There are some myths that need to be dismissed so that you are well-prepared to stand out. Five common myths associated with career fairs are:

· They are intended for only senior and experienced people: This happens to be the most perilous of all figments. Besides being excellent venues for finding jobs, career fairs offer immense chances to establish and build relationships. You could still be in the final year at college but at a career fair, you get to present yourself with your CV to hirers and obtain leads related to openings for on-the-job-training. But most importantly, you learn about explicit jobs, their different fields and what it entails getting into one. You get an opportunity to interact with people already in similar jobs. It should be understood that career fairs are not merely gateways to jobs, but also venues for learning more about them.

· You need to carry just a few resumes: The requirement is to carry as many copies of your CV as possible. If you run short of them or attempt to keep one possibly for subsequent use, you are axing your own feet. Remember that re-utilizing a resume could be agreeable, but if you miss an opportunity, the outcome could be highly unfavourable to you. In recent times, the procedure for submitting job applications have changed. Many companies want you to submit applications and resumes online; in that case, carrying a hard copy of your CV is of no significance.

· Some people don’t know what to discuss: There could be nothing unrealistic than this. The fact is that you have got what it takes and just in case, you do not, there is no cause for worry. A smile can do wonders; so smile when you are around at a stall. You must make it a point to introduce yourself by your name before you make any query about a job. For example, you could say, “Good morning. I am Ayush and am doing my graduation in economics. I am also pursuing an online certificate course in Human Rights. I wonder if you have a position for someone like me.”  Almost instantly, you will get the ball rolling, even if you have no previous knowledge about a job or company. But it is always recommended to find out details before you come to the fair. Your research and knowledge will help you to extend and amplify your introduction fruitfully. And when that happens, you are perceived as a contender.

· Getting to know information about participating companies is difficult: This could be true at fairs far away from your current location. The organisers of a career fair will make available details of participating companies. In addition, they will also tell job-seekers about companies that participated in the past too. Efforts to find such information have to be made in advance; and once you do have a list, you will have adequate time to shortlist company stalls that you would specifically like to visit on the D day. 

· You can wear anything you want: At college, it is a different issue; you have the right to dress as you like. But when going to a career fair, it is different. It is a part of your job search. Therefore, if you dress smartly, a good impression will be made on a prospective employer. Unkempt appearance and shabby clothes will manifest an absence of devotion and possible steadfastness on your part. It is not necessary to wear formal attire, but definitely, you need to be presentable.

At a career fair as also in various facets of your job search, your resume is all that an employer sees to determine whether to shortlist you for an interview or not. But at a fair, you have an opportunity to demonstrate yourself in a manner that your resume may perhaps not. Interpersonal skills, communication skills and work-place-appropriate social skills are critical. Many employers evaluate these skills heavily because they want to hire people who can fit well in their companies and make a good impression on their clients. Career fairs are probably the most powerful tools in your job search inventory. You must make full use of them.