by: Fred Coon
Chairman, CEO
Stewart, Cooper & Coon
You may think that Job Fairs are a useless form of networking. Most executives do. Just remember this. Meeting people is important because it is who they know, and who they can introduce you to that counts. Every person can be of assistance to you as you conduct your search. Of course the jobs being interviewed for at these events are lower level opportunities. We all know that. What you need to keep in mind is that the person doing the interviewing also knows their bosses, bosses boss – the person you want to report to. They are an information conduit and should be seen and used as such.
The other main purpose of attending is to collect the resumes of everyone you meet there. After you get home, look at their resume and see who they have worked for and if they know anyone you wish to target. When you meet them at the job fair, be courteous enough to assist them by asking them how you may assist them and who they are targeting. One good turn deserves another and the search is ALL ABOUT NETWORKING PROPERLY!
Some of you will not live in an area that has a job fair monthly. However, if you can go to one, even in a neighboring town or city, do so. If you cannot attend one monthly, usually they are held at least quarterly in many major cities. Now, here is the good news on this issue. Many companies are holding job fairs online. One of your search activities is to find out who is doing this and, if it is a company in your current field or industry, or even a transitional industry or field, attend these. You may meet some interesting and helpful people at these events or, at least have the chance to network with people at selected target companies.