July 20, 2023

Unlock Your Career Potential: The Power Of Attending A Career Fair

Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program can help you get back into the workforce after an extended absence. Employment Networks have vocational experts who can help you with every aspect of getting back to work. If you are ready to return to work and would like to start your search, a career fair is a great way to go.

Career fairs offer valuable opportunities for both job seekers and employers alike. Employers have the chance to meet, educate and interview many potential applicants, while you, as a prospective employee, can showcase your skillset, ask questions and make important connections. Throughout the event, a career fair allows you to engage with many employers and hiring managers. Here’s why attending a career fair is beneficial if you’re seeking a job.

Networking Opportunities

Career fairs provide excellent networking opportunities, bringing together potential employers who offer diverse opportunities and already work in your chosen field. These events allow you to meet and connect with employers, mentors and peers. Engaging in conversations here enables you to establish connections on LinkedIn, obtain email addresses and build relationships with prospective employers.

It is essential to be prepared to discuss your talents, skills, experience and education. If you have a specific position in mind, emphasize what you bring to the role. A Social Security-authorized Employment Network (EN) like Allsup Employment Services (AES) can be of assistance. Our vocational experts will help you identify transferable skills that can be applied to a new job. For instance, one of our clients was previously a truck driver, and his navigational skills helped him secure a job as a dispatcher for other drivers.

Interview Practice

Another advantage of attending a career fair is the opportunity to complete multiple interviews within a short period. This allows you to gain experience in discussing your skills and attributes, as well as good practice answering spontaneous questions.

AES recommends taking note of the questions you’re asked and working on improving your answers for future interviews. Our vocational experts will assist you in preparing for the career fair by conducting mock interviews via video conferencing.

Finding Job Openings

A job fair serves as a platform for employers to search for potential employees and vice versa. Company representatives will inform you about job openings and their hiring process. You might come across positions that have not yet been publicly advertised. Alternatively, even if a company currently has no openings, networking and relationship building can position you as a strong candidate for future opportunities.

Gaining Industry Knowledge

Engaging with dozens of employers during a career fair allows you to ask questions and expand your understanding of various roles within your industry. While online research typically provides information about current openings only, attending a career fair can introduce you to less obvious opportunities that align with your education, background and goals.

Being Prepared for the Event

To make the most of any job fair, preparation is key. Here are some suggestions from AES to ensure a worthwhile event.

Research the companies you plan to engage with. Do research on companies you’re interested in and make a point to mention what you know about them and why you would like to work there.
Bring resumes and business cards. Have plenty to hand out, and be prepared to upload your resume if required.
Practice interviewing. Do one or more mock interviews with your vocational expert or someone from your support team. The more comfortable you are with answers, the more confident you will appear.

A career fair is a great opportunity to secure a job, and with some practice and assistance from an Employment Network like AES, you could find yourself back in the workforce.

Ready to take your career to new heights? Don't miss out on the incredible opportunities waiting for you at career fairs. Mark your calendar, prepare your elevator pitch and get ready to unlock your potential. Attend a career fair near you and pave the way to success!