job_fair_prod_imgOnce you know who you want to talk to at the job fair then the real work begins.  You want to do more than just look at their website.  Keep in mind that even looking at their website puts you ahead of most people in the job search.  Many times when I ask people what they know about the company I am working with they barely know anything.  That is not to say this is a time to slack.  Remember, you only need one job and you might be up against several people for that one job.  You want to put them under the table.

When you are researching the company be sure to take notes so you can remember things about the company and the position(s).  Research to find out who the leaders are at the company.  Look them up on LinkedIn.  Do they tweet?  If so, follow them.  Try to find the HR and Talent Acquisition employees.  Do the same for them.  This may seem like a lot and if you are happy being un or underemployed then nah, you don’t have to do all this.  Heck, you may even get the job you want without it.  But would you rather over prepare or wish you had done more after getting the phone call letting you know they offered the job to someone else?

When you head to the job fair it’s game-time from the moment you leave your front door.  Put your game-face on.  Everyone is a potential hiring manager or recruiter.  You do have a good handshake, don’t you?  How about eye contact?  Ask a few friends what are some of the nonverbals you do that are distracting.  Oh wait, did that hurt your feelings?  Suck it up buttercup, do you want a job or a handout?

Tomorrow we hit the field at the job fair.

Al

Don’t worry about those who talk behind your back.  They’re behind you for a reason.
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