• Be setup and ready to go by the start time of the Job Fair. There will be setup time available the afternoon before and the morning before the event.

• Set a goal and design your entire effort to achieve your goals.
  • Think about sharing personal career information and typical steps to success.
  • Are you introducing a new program or service?
  • Are you trying to enhance company image or gaining name recognition.
  • Are you simply filling open positions?

• Bring something to leave behind with good candidates.
  • A handout with company information, position titles, hours, job description, etc.
  • Information on how to apply (online, in person, email, etc.)
  • A give-away with your company contact information (order these now!)

• Anticipate problems before the event--be prepared for anything (i.e., VCR doesn't work, need electrical extension cords, etc.).

• Bring plenty of blank applications

After the Fair

• Respond to all inquiries personally ASAP to reinforce your good image and to "strike the iron when it is hot."

It's about promoting the jobs you have open but also about gaining recognition for your company!

• Have a good idea of the positions your company is hoping to fill-today but also in the possible future.

• This is a great time to gain name recognition for your company - use promotional items, informational brochures and other items to help promote what your business does

• Do have brochures on hand, but keep paper to a minimum. You can use handouts to initiate a conversation with job seeks but it should not be your entire presentation. Their opinion of your organization will be based on their interaction with you more than anything else.

Display and connecting with candidates is important!

• The visual display is most effective when it gives the casual observer a clear idea of what you do. Large signage with your company name, perhaps clearly identifying the types of jobs you are hoping to fill will help direct job seekers to your booth.

• 60% of a person's initial reaction is based on color; 80% choose blue as their favorite.

• Your visual message should give even a casual observer a clear idea of what you do.

• A soft informative style can be the most effective approach when working with job seekers.

• Prepare a short overview of the available jobs and the company atmosphere.

• Standing can be the best way to greet and welcome potential employees.

Exhibit Staff

• It is the personalities, not the display, that job seekers remember.

• Make a good first impression - job seekers will base their opinion of your organization on YOU. Staff must be very knowledgeable

• Know yourself, your position, your organization, and where job seekers may fit into that entire scheme.

• Job seekers are potentially long-term leads; don't expect an immediate "sale." Job seekers will get turned off if you try a "hard sell" with them.

• Job seekers prefer a short, overall view of what you have to offer.

• Ensure your exhibit is staffed at all times - like it or not, if you are absent, it "shows" you don't care.

• Avoid eating at your exhibit - it takes away from the "professional" look.

• Stand, don't sit, at your exhibit. Sitting in the chair behind your exhibit doesn't connote a sense of excitement and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Wear name tags prominently.

• Visit other exhibitors when your shift ends - it is a great way to meet other professionals in your field.

• Don't wait for visitors to approach you - be assertive, friendly and sincere.

Ask passers-by friendly, open-ended, yet specific questions such as: "Are you interested in a career in finance?" or "Do you want to put your communications skills to work in a great career?"