Network At National Job Fairs: How Does It Work?

For SSDI beneficiaries returning to the workforce, an Employment Network, like Allsup Employment Services, can provide valuable information to make your transition easier. We’ll help you make the most of Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program and update you on the latest aspects of getting back to work including networking.

According to Zippia, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. If you’re ready to return to work and searching for a job, you can do some extensive networking at a job fair It’s a great way to meet many prospective employers at once, learn what opportunities are available and improve your interview skills while answering off-the-cuff questions.

It typically can take 5 months to find a job. However, because there are so many employers in one space and time at a job fair, you may take months off your search simply by attending. Many employers have open positions and a conversation about your skill set could have you privy to roles that aren’t available in the moment, but will be shortly, putting you on the short list for the job.

Job Fairs = A Networking Advantage

• Meet key contacts within the organization.
• Speed up your job search by showing up in-person to demonstrate interest.
• Access early attention with hiring managers for jobs that are coming soon, yet-to-be posted.
• Practice interview skills ahead of getting the actual interview.
• Get insider details on the organization (i.e., opportunities and benefits) with personal conversations.

At Allsup Employment Services (AES), our vocational experts can help you prepare for a job fair by helping you consider what transferable skills you have for open positions and having mock interview sessions with you online.

There are companies who offer job fairs across the nation and around the world. Let’s take a look at a few of these organizations.

• USAJOBS – this mainstay of the U.S. federal job environment has a list of upcoming events you can filter for individuals with disabilities.
• JobFairX – this group hosts over 5,000 job fairs around the world every year, providing a lot of networking opportunities.
• CareerEco – holds some virtual events of their own and has a calendar of upcoming job fairs.
• DiversityX – offers a wide range of diversity virtual job fairs nationwide in over 300 cities.
• RecruitMilitary – this resource lists jobs as well as career fairs, many of which are focused on veterans.

How AES Can Help

Our dedicated vocational experts can help you decide which job fairs to attend and which employers may have the best positions for your abilities and skill set. AES recommends job fairs as a strategy that could potentially help you to find a new job quickly. We are reimagining work every day and helping people just like you get into a role that’s a great fit.

Helpful Resources:

Your Employment Rights as an Individual with a Disability (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)

Employees' Practical Guide To Requesting And Negotiating Reasonable Accommodation Under The Americans With Disabilities Act (Job Accommodation Network)

Information for Employees About Accommodations (Job Accommodation Network)

A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment (ADA.gov / U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division)

Learn more about:

- The Ticket To Work (TTW) Program.

- What an Employment Network (EN) is and why they are important.

- How your SSDI benefits are protected under the TTW program.

- Frequently asked questions regarding the TTW program and Allsup Employment Services.

- How Allsup Employment Services’ experience helps you.

 Allsup Employment Services can be reached at 866-540-5105 or requesting a call.