Tips for Attending a Virtual Job Fair

Careful preparation is important before attending any Job Fair, and a virtual event is no exception. Prior planning and research will help ensure you meet with the recruiters most relevant to your job search and help you make the most of those conversations.

Below are tips on what to do before, during, and after attending a Virtual Job Fair.

BEFORE THE EVENT

Register in advance for early access to the company booths so you can start your research and preparation. Fill out your registration information completely and upload your resume. Typically, recruiters will have access to your information before, during and after the event.

Study the step-by-step guide, watch the training video, and review the Employer Directory, all of which you will receive prior to the event. Familiarize yourself with the virtual platform being used for the event, visiting the event lobby and each booth to learn more about the attending employers.

Use the Job Fair page on Corporate Gray Online to search their jobs and view your LinkedIn connections at those companies. Reach out to those in your network for more information about their company.

Use other resources to gain information about those companies and their job openings, such as the company’s website and sites such as GlassDoor.com and Manta.com to learn as much as possible.

Prepare a list of questions to ask the recruiters at the event. Asking questions based on your company research will demonstrate your interest in the company and that you cared enough to take the time to learn more about the potential employer.

Prepare answers to questions recruiters will likely ask you during the event. Articulate what you are looking for, what your skills are, and why you are a match for their company. Keep your answers short and to the point, as you won’t have time to type lengthy answers during the text chats. If you’re a slow typist, you could cut and paste your prepared answers into the text chat box as appropriate. Commonly asked interview questions include:

Why are you interested in our company?
What do you know about us?
What type of work are you seeking?
Which of your skills are you most interested in leveraging?
How would you characterize your leadership style?
What are your salary requirements?
When are you available to start work?

DURING THE EVENT

Dress for success in business attire. The conversations begin as text chats, but recruiters have the option of changing it to a video call.

Visit the lobby and booths. Scroll through the booth’s General Questions dialogue. View the company representatives in attendance and enter one of the recruiter’s conversation queues.

Enter a recruiter’s conversation queue in multiple booths, and the system will keep track of your place in those lines. When it’s your turn with a recruiter, you will receive a notification dialog and audible alert to enter the conversation. While you are in a chat, your position in the other booth queues will be saved.

Be ready to type. The one-on-one timed chat sessions are similar to instant messaging. Don’t wait for the recruiter to start typing, introduce yourself right away. Before the conversation ends, ask the recruiter for their email address so you can follow-up with them after the event.

Take notes after each conversation. Write down any pertinent information that will help you best remember that conversation. This will be useful in jogging your memory when following-up.

AFTER THE EVENT

Review your conversations (transcripts of text chats) and your notes. If you had asked them for contact information during the chat, it will be in the transcript. If not, look them up on LinkedIn and continue the conversation there.

Apply to jobs you learned about during the event.

Follow-up with recruiters. Reinforce your interest in their company with a well-written thank you email. Attach a tailored resume that maps your skills and experience to their requirements. If you don’t have the recruiter’s email address, find the recruiter on LinkedIn and invite them to join your network. Customize the invitation to remind them that you met at the Corporate Gray Virtual Job Fair.

Remember to register early and start your preparation right away to make the most of the networking opportunity that a Virtual Job Fair offers. View the upcoming Corporate Gray Military-Friendly Job Fairs and start preparing today!