You’re attending a virtual career fair. How can you make the most of it?
Virtual career fairs are becoming more common as a way for employers and job seekers to connect online. They offer some advantages over traditional fairs, such as convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. But they also require some preparation and skills to make a good impression and stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your virtual career fair experience.
Before the event, do some homework on the employers that interest you. Visit their websites, social media, and online reviews to learn about their mission, values, products, services, and culture. Also, check their current openings and requirements to see if you match their needs. This will help you tailor your resume, cover letter, and pitch to each employer and show that you are genuinely interested in working for them.
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A virtual career fair in most ways isn’t different from a physical one. You still need to adhere to the basics. Research will always remain the foundation to make the most of a career fair. Study about the employers, identify which employers are in sync with what you are seeking. Do they have the right roles for you? What is the culture like? It’s better to gather all the required data so you save yourself the time and make the most of the process.
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You can find out a lot from an employers website, but that's not the only source. What are they saying on their socials, what are their employees posting about, what kind of common skills are being requested in their job descriptions? Also, are they being recognised for industry awards, diversity programmes, or other outreach activities? You will they have a broader set of insight to inform better questions when you hopefully meet 'in person'.
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The virtual fairs has specific goal and needs to understand the the entire process. The references plays key role, visit website and analyze area of domain, speciality, market value, ranking, team members,and requirements. This enables to map with candidature and eventually drafting of cv for effective representation. This all makes a outstanding candidate and potential employees.
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LinkedIn can provide a wide variety of information concerning corporate culture of companies and experts who represent them to career fairs. Sometimes career fairs include further discussions about alternative industries or special speakers who present valuable insights. Websites, referrals and CSR programs can be included in corporate identity. Do not forget that some details are important to be referred to your cover letters (if you are planning to send to many companies). Remember that resume and LinkedIn profile have to be updated. You can tailor LinkedIn About section and resume title and content. Note that LinkedIn About can be a little more generic.
Your online presence is your digital resume and portfolio. It includes your LinkedIn profile, personal website, blog, portfolio, or any other platform that showcases your skills, achievements, and personality. Make sure that your online presence is updated, professional, and consistent with your resume and cover letter. Also, check your privacy settings and remove any inappropriate or irrelevant content that might hurt your image. You want to create a positive and memorable impression on the employers who might check your online presence before or after the event.
To participate in a virtual career fair, you need a reliable device, a stable internet connection, a good webcam, a clear microphone, and a suitable software or platform. Test your equipment and connection before the event and make sure everything works properly. Also, choose a quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free environment where you can focus and communicate effectively. Dress professionally and comfortably, as if you were attending a face-to-face interview. Avoid any background noise or clutter that might interfere with your presentation or conversation.
A virtual career fair is an opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your skills, and express your interest in the employers. To do that, you need to prepare a short and engaging pitch that summarizes who you are, what you do, what you are looking for, and why you are a good fit for the employer. Your pitch should be no longer than 30 seconds and should highlight your main strengths and achievements. Practice your pitch until you feel confident and natural. Also, prepare some relevant and thoughtful questions to ask the employers, such as their expectations, challenges, goals, or culture. This will show that you have done your research and that you are curious and enthusiastic about the opportunity.
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I could use the saying "Less than more"! Focus on quality and not quantity because you want to be clear and promote the professional profile of your own. Remember that your pitch can be adapted to job requirements, like your resume and cover letter. Do not afraid to repeat yourself concerning content in your cover letter. Because if there will be a fit, you may inspire safety.
A virtual career fair is not only a chance to meet potential employers, but also to network with other job seekers, recruiters, or industry experts. You can use the chat, video, or social media features of the platform to interact with others, exchange information, and build relationships. You can also join webinars, workshops, or panels that might interest you or benefit your career development. After the event, follow up with the employers and contacts that you have met. Send a thank-you email, restate your interest and qualifications, and attach your resume and portfolio. Also, connect with them on LinkedIn or other social media and keep in touch until you hear back from them.
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Networking has to come with targeted research. You focus on specific industries and companies of your interest. In a career fair, you may have a chance of cooperating with people who are interested in the same field of preference or a different one. In any case, as long as you made the decision to participate in this, you have to support it and give your 100%. The world is small and you do not know what opportunity you can claim while interacting with other graduates or professionals. Furthermore, you can share some feedback and spot strengths and weaknesses in order to reach further improvement. Make a recommendation for each other's back and share more information about your results in that short-term project.
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I prefer to do these 3 things on a side chat in the moment, rather than after the career fair. 1. Edify them. Let them know why they are important to you. Also, share your value added proposition. 2. Exchange information on the spot. Put it into your phone during the conversation, and send them a text. If they give an office number, call right after the conversation and leave your information with their direct personnel. 3. Ask them to look at their calendar and schedule an appointment with them no further than a week or two out.
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A virtual career fair is digital place of interacting with professionals and sharing knowledge. Exchanging opinions can be an advantage while participating in workshops. If you think that further improvement of your personal branding is necessary, make sure you will take advantage of career coaching services to take some notes. Exploit any piece of information with enthusiasm and curiosity. Be active listener and proceed to direct communication with people you may be inclined to similar preferences.
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