Across the U.S., more companies are incorporating virtual job fairs and events into their hiring strategies.
Virtual job fairs give recruiters and job seekers a chance to interact in a virtual environment.
These scheduled events take place at a specific time and allow hiring managers to meet candidates face to face. Some recruiters may also use these virtual events to interview job seekers and offer jobs on the spot.
Virtual job fairs often involve a combination of teleconferencing (such as Zoom), chat rooms, online presentations, webcasts, and opportunities to browse companies’ virtual booths.
With online career expos becoming an increasingly popular option, savvy job seekers need to know how to make the most of a virtual hiring experience.
Read on to learn how to leave a lasting impression and land your next job at a virtual job fair.
Tip 1: Prepare Your Resume and Profile
Give yourself plenty of time to update your resume. If possible, prepare various versions of your resume customized for different industries and employers. Check for typos and have someone else also review your resume beforehand.
Also update your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it accurately reflects your past jobs, titles, and accomplishments. Be sure to check it for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Tip 2: Research Employers in Advance
Find out which companies will be participating in the virtual job fair. Then do your research. Look for the types of jobs they’re hiring for. Also learn the keywords they use. You can make a lasting impression with hiring managers by using the keywords and phrases you find in their messaging.
Studying up on a company you’re interested in also boosts your confidence when interacting with hiring managers. You’ll have greater insight into the company and know what types of questions to ask.
Tip 3: Practice Your Pitch
Practice introducing yourself to recruiters. Be sure to share what positions you’re seeking, what interests you about the company, and how your past experiences make you a great candidate.
Hiring managers often look for candidates who are curious. To stand out from other job seekers, prepare a handful of different questions you’d like to ask each company.
Tip 4: Test Your Tech
A couple of days before the job fair, make sure your device is updated with the necessary software. Get your camera set up for ideal lighting. Do a trial run with all your tech and gear to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Tip 5: Follow-Up and Expand Your Network
Don’t wait for recruiters to reach out to you after the virtual job fair. Be the first to initiate follow-up.
Email the companies you’d like to work for, mentioning the name of the hiring manager you spoke with and the position you’re seeking.
You can also reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn. Remind them of the conversation you had with them and the role you’d like to apply for. Then thank them for their time and consideration.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a more seamless virtual experience and set yourself up to stand out from other job seekers.
