SJN - Scottsdale Job Network

ARE JOB FAIRS FOR YOU?

Some job seekers are of the opinion that job fairs which post specific positions are a waste of time for those interested in higher level ones.  Job fairs can be opportunities for networking and getting contacts at target companies.   We addressed this issue by contacting HR @ GoDaddy and received their perspective:

It is our opinion that career fairs put a human touch to the resume, and they allow the candidate to talk to somebody face-to-face.  In addition, they allow job seekers to learn more about open positions.  Also, many experienced job seekers may assume that career-fair recruiters are offering only specific positions – an assumption that may prove incorrect, and this can keep these job seekers from making contacts and learning about other opportunities and career paths.

For both the novice and experienced job seeker, career fairs can be daunting – from choosing which companies to approach to gathering the courage to meet recruiters.  I would offer the following advice:

Establish goals.  Job seekers should begin by examining their educational backgrounds, professional experiences, personal passions, and short- and long-term career goals.

Conduct research on the companies of interest.  If possible, candidates should get beforehand from the fair’s sponsor a list of the organizations scheduled to attend a particular career fair, and look for more information on the ones they find most in tune with their interests.  Research can help job seekers plot a strategy to make the most of the fair’s limited time frame, rather than simply hitting every booth.  A job seeker who has done research – and can show off that knowledge by asking informed questions about a company – will stand out in the crowd.  It says somebody is serious, that somebody has taken the time to do the research on the position, on the company, and on the job fair itself. By contrast, even well-qualified people will get rejected if they show they don’t know much about potential employers.

Ask about employers’ current needs – and be open-minded.  Conversations with recruiters can reveal opportunities that might not be immediately obvious. Many job seekers will dismiss an organization they are interested in because their ideal job is unavailable, or they feel underqualified for those that are open.  In reality, high/hyper growth companies may have many positions not specifically listed, as often the space is limited to list open positions in career fair literature.

Show some passion.  Enthusiasm for a company’s mission can help get a job seeker into an employer’s good graces – and may even trump a candidate’s limited skills.  It is so refreshing to hear and to see on peoples’ faces and voices how interested they are about the company and position they are applying for.  This is something you cannot get on paper.

HR / GoDaddy.com