Job Search Tips: The Pros and Cons of Career Fairs
Do you want or need to find a job? If so, you might decide to attend career fairs, also known as job fairs. This is good because the more places you look to find a job, the more likely you are to actually find a job. But wait about those career fairs or job fairs? Are they good in terms of finding a job or do they result in wasted time?
The Pros to Attending Job Fairs or Career Fairs
Interviews: All job fairs (also known as career fairs) and the companies who attend them have their own preferences. Some companies are not actively hiring right, but they still want to create a good database of resumes for later. Some companies are hiring, but will only collect resumes at job fairs or career fairs; the resumes are later looked at. You will also find some companies who do on-the-spot interviews at job fairs or career fairs. You might walk away from the job fair or career with a job or an appointment for a more formal second job interview.
Learn: You might be surprised what and how much you can learn at career fairs and job fairs. You might come across a few local companies that you didn’t know about before. This is great because when on a quest to find a job, you are should examine all of your options. While most companies hiring prefer to post job listings online, some do like to have the option to meet interested job applicants in person.
Networking: You will run into many people at career fairs and job fairs. Some are professionals and others are in the mist of their own job search just like you. This is a great chance to network. Not only can you handout your resume or a business card, but you can also exchange personal information such as a cell phone numbers, email addresses, or twitter names (yes really). In today’s society that is focused on technology, networking can significantly help your chances and make it easier for you to find a job. A great resume and job experience is good, but someone who is know is important too.
The Cons of Attending Job Fairs
Time: Job fairs and career fairs are nice to attend because you may find a job. On that same note, it is no secret that job fairs and career fairs are time consuming. On average, most individuals are at the average job fair or career fair for at least three or four hours. After all, there may be hundreds of companies hiring and you want to stay and network. If you are unemployed, consider all this time well-spent. If you are employed and just looking to find a new job, you might find some time problems.
Fees: Lets get one thing out of the way first, not all career fairs and job fairs cost money to attend. For example, the ones held in public places (such as a local mall) are usually free to attend. It is typically advised that you don’t pay to attend a job fair unless a limited number of individuals are allowed in. As mentioned above, there are no guarantees so you might not want to take the risk.
In short, career fairs and job fairs do have their pros and cons. We aren’t saying you should avoid job fairs altogether, but why not consider your other options too? Click the links above for more information on our job search tools, including the affordable Job Finder for Windows PC, the FREE Job Finder or Android, or the FREE Job Finder for iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch!