What do you do if you're struggling to manage your time at job fairs?

If you’re bothering to go, make it worth the effort. Don’t just show up and expect it to be rewarding. Check out the list of employers before you attend and go to the companies’ websites and look for available jobs. The companies that are hiring should be your first priority. Not every business that attends a career fair is actively hiring. Prepare targeted resumes for those specific positions and have them ready to present. Don’t attempt to make it to every table, choose the ones that are most important to you, and don’t neglect smaller companies. There will be less competition at lesser know companies. Have your LinkedIn QR code ready, so that you can easily connect to anyone you meet, without needing to go through spelling your name.

Make a plan and set objectives. Who do you want to meet and why and don't deviate from your plan. It's chaos at these fairs, so set goals, objectives and a plan and stay focused and don't get distracted.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF A JOB FAIR: • Research the companies participating. • Prioritize which companies to speak with first. • Dress BUSINESS attire. • Make sure you bring SEVERAL RESUMES. • Practice your 'ELEVATOR PITCH.' • Be prepared to INTERVIEW on the spot. • Be ready to ask pertinent questions concerning the job and company. • Ask for and contact information. • It's OK to ASK for the JOB! • Schedule a one-on-one appointment. • Don't forget to follow-up after the job fair with a THANK-YOU LETTER! REMEMBER: If you don't follow-up, YOU FOUL-UP! SIMPLE BUT NEVER EASY! Long Island Michael Coritsidis, Self Improvement/Career and Public SpeakingCoach@[email protected]

If I find myself struggling to manage my time at job fairs, I prioritize by identifying key employers or positions of interest beforehand. I create a schedule, allocating specific time slots to visit booths and engage with recruiters. During the event, I focus on networking efficiently, asking targeted questions, and collecting relevant information. I also make sure to take breaks to recharge and reflect on my interactions.

In addition to having focused conversations, bring customized resumes that highlight skills and experiences relevant to the specific companies you are interested in. This shows preparedness and genuine interest. It’s also beneficial to prepare some insightful questions about the companies’ challenges and culture, which can lead to deeper discussions and make you stand out as an engaged candidate. After the fair, follow up with the contacts you made by sending a personalized thank you note or email, referencing specifics from your conversation to reinforce the connection.

I would prioritize my top companies or positions of interest and focus on visiting those booths first. I’d also allocate specific time slots for networking, attending presentations, and collecting information. Additionally, I might consider taking short breaks to regroup and prioritize tasks as needed throughout the event.

Setting up time blocks is one of the most effective tools for time management. Life gets in the way every day, but having systems in place to move or redirect you will help to keep you on course for success. Come up with a list of things that you need to get done, and assign time periods that you will focus on those tasks.