How to Navigate Virtual Career and Hiring Fairs as a Job Seeker

Career and hiring fairs are useful events for job seekers and new graduates. Although most events will be held virtually this year, you can still get the same benefits — from gaining new job leads to developing connections within your professional network. Check out six tips to help you take your career search to the next level.

1. Check your tech.
Avoid scrambling to download the software or configure your audio on the day. Ask yourself the following questions:
a. Will I be typing? Then make sure you’re at a comfortable desk.
b. Is there an audio/visual element? Then dress appropriately for an interview — see our resources for planning ahead here.

2. Research who will be attending.
Learn about the different employers or job resources that will be there. Make a list of the top five must-attend booths. (You may not have time to visit every booth, so a clear game plan will help you feel less overwhelmed.) On a similar note, write down a few key questions for the employers — you’re interviewing them too!

Note: Not all booths will be conducting screening interviews at the event. Some are there to encourage job seekers to apply to future jobs with their companies; while others, like WorkBC.ca, are job resource services that are available to help you in your future career pursuits!

3. Prepare your pitch.
Perfect the two-minute elevator pitch about yourself. Since you may have less than 10 minutes to talk to a representative, make a one to three sentence pitch about yourself. Describe your experience or education, career goals, and why you are attending this event.

4. Go with the flow.
As we all learn to navigate the sudden transition to virtual-only events, hiccups are bound to happen. If your computer crashes, the system boots you out, or the Wi-Fi fails, it’ll be okay. But with that said, don’t rely entirely on technology — keep a notebook or document open and write down important information or resources. The virtual platform may not save that information or may malfunction mid-interview, so it’s good to keep a hard copy in case that happens.

5. Save the venting for a phone call with a close friend.
A career fair is like a speed interview, so you don’t want to air your frustrations with a potential future boss about your challenging current job search or a difficult previous employer. (Mentioning that the job search has been difficult due to COVID-19 is one thing, spending your precious 10-minute pre-interview venting won’t get you very far.)

6. Complete a self reflection after the event.
Take five minutes after the event to reflect on the experience. What worked? What didn’t work? Did you learn something new that will help you in your job search? What would you want to do differently? Taking the time to reflect will help you improve your performance for next time. Some events will be better suited to your goals than others, so plan to attend a few — these experiences will help you improve your virtual interviewing skills.

Help spread the word and reduce virtual career fair anxiety — share these tips on social media so everyone can be better prepared. We are in this together! For more resources and advice, check out our Resources for Virtual Interviews.