JOB FAIR GUIDE
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A JOB FAIR
RESEARCH COMPANIES
Look up the companies attending to learn about their jobs and culture. This will help you know who to talk to and what to ask.
EVENT INFO
PREPARE YOUR RESUME
Update your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Print multiple copies to distribute.
RESUME WRITING
DRESS PROFESSIONALLY
Wear clothing that fits the job you want. A good outfit helps make a strong first impression.
BRING WHAT YOU NEED
Have extra resumes, a notepad, a few pens, and business cards if you have them.
PRACTICE
YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH
Prepare a short, 30-60 second speech about your skills and what you're looking for in a job.
PLAN YOUR TIME
Review the layout of the fair and prioritize the companies you want to visit first.
PREPARE QUESTIONS
Think of thoughtful questions to ask recruiters about their company, work culture, and vacant positions. This shows your interest and helps you gather valuable information.
Can you tell me more about the company culture and values?
What types of positions are you currently hiring for, and what are the key qualifications for these roles?
What are the most important skills or experiences you are looking for in a candidate?
What are the next steps in the hiring process after this fair?
How does the company support professional development and career growth? What do you enjoy most about working at this company?
VENUE & LOGISTICS
WHAT TO EXPECT EVENT DETAILS
October 17th, 2024 11:30 am-6:00 pm The Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel by Drive, Ott.
PARKING AND ACCESS
The Shaw Centre is connected to the Rideau Centre and The Westin Ottawa, offering direct indoor, paid parking access. You can park at these locations and easily walk to the event.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
OC Transpo bus routes, including routes 5, 6, 7, 11, and 14, serve the downtown area and can get you close to the Shaw Centre. Please check OC Transpo for bus schedules and route changes https://www.octranspo.com
TALK TO RECRUITERS
Ask thoughtful questions and show interest in their company and jobs.
TAKE NOTES
Write down who you spoke to (names, job titles, contact info), what roles were discussed, any key pieces of information for future reference.
NETWORK POLITELY
Be friendly, make eye contact, and listen carefully.
Keep track of contacts and companies to follow up with later.
Approach each company with a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
Be open to learning all that the employers and/or other attendees have to share with you.
OB FAIR GUIDE
AFTER THE JOB FAIR
REVIEW AND ORGANIZE YOUR NOTES
Go over the notes you took during the fair and organize them by company or position. This will help you prepare for sending followup emails, and for potential interviews, as well as make informed decisions about your next steps.
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
Send connection requests to the recruiters and any other professionals you met at the fair. Personalize your message to remind them of your conversation and express your interest in staying in touch.
FOLLOW UP
Send thank-you emails to the recruiters you met and remind them of your conversation. Mention specific details from your conversation to help them remember you.
APPLY ONLINE
If a recruiter told you to apply online, do so promptly, tailoring your cover letter and resume to the job.
REFLECT ON YOUR EXPERIENCE & KEEP LEARNING
Think about what went well and how you can improve for next time. If you learned about new companies or roles that interest you, do further research to better understand their opportunities and culture.
EDUCATE
If you need to up-skill for the job you want, see if there are any online courses you can complete.