If you are a student who has just graduated, then you must have attended career fairs or at least be aware of one. If you want to get noticed and increase your chances of being hired, here are some tips to get you started.
Professional Attire
Formal wear shows that you are serious about your job hunt, and it makes you look great too. Make sure to polish your shoes properly as well. This is your first ticket to get the hiring managers to notice you.
Hard copies of your resume
Granted, this is a digital world, but hiring managers will not sit with an excel sheet to keep track of students they meet. Hand over your resume print-out to let them take notes.
Practice your approach
The spontaneous approach may well work in some situations where initiative and creativity are essential. But practice listing out your skills and strengths and how they relate to the job requirements for the employers’ benefits.
Knowledge is power
Research the employers before approaching the hiring managers. It shows your interest in a career there rather than drowning yourself out among a million other generic candidates.
First impressions
Enthusiasm, forward attitude, eye contact, and a pleasant smile are more likely to get you noticed than shying away and having second doubts.
Show interest
Enquire about the job, process, company ethics, company projects, and more information about the job and the working environment. They’ll show an interest only if you show yours.
Suitable carry-on
A suitable case to hold on to business cards, your resumes and notebooks or tablets, and a smartphone or a laptop is sure to help you keep organized.
Networking
Meet people and talk to as many of them about relevant things, but do not overdo it. You never know when you can discover an opportunity.
Follow-ups
Always send a follow-up letter or an email thanking the hiring managers for their time. Chances are, you are the only one to do that. And it’ll make it easier for them to pick you over others!