5 tips for effectively networking at career fairs
Networking at university career fairs can be a great way to connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities in your field, including opportunities in the field of AI and chatbot development. However, it’s important to approach these events with a strategy in order to make the most of your time and make a good impression. Here are five tips for effectively networking at university career fairs, with a focus on finding opportunities in the field of AI:
- Research the companies that will be attending the fair. Before you go to the fair, take some time to research the companies that will be there. Look for companies that have a strong focus on the specific industries you are targeting, e.g. tech, consulting, pharma, etc. This will help you have a more informed conversation with the recruiters, and show that you’re genuinely interested in working for the company.
- Prepare an “elevator pitch”. An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in yourself and your qualifications. Prepare a 30-second introduction that highlights your skills, experience, and goals related to the function and role you are targeting. Then practice delivering it in a confident and engaging way.
- Dress professionally. First impressions are important, so make sure you’re dressed professionally for the fair. Wear business attire that is appropriate for your field, and make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and in good condition.
- Bring copies of your resume and business cards. Bring several copies of your resume and business cards to the fair, so you can hand them out to recruiters and other professionals you meet. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to positions in those specific industries. In lieu of business cards, in most events you can scan another attendee’s badge and they can scan yours as well. I have found that business cards continue to have relevance and oddly enough, they help you stand out. You can get 250 for about $25.
- Follow up after the fair. After the event, be sure to follow up with the contacts you made. Send a thank-you note or email to the recruiters and other professionals you met, and remind them of your interest in working for their company. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have forgotten to ask during the fair.
- You will make a good connection with some of the people. Try to stay in touch with them. You may be able to use their name as reference for future positions at their companies.
Networking at university career fairs can be a great way to get your foot in the door with potential employers, meeting interesting people, and grow your personal network.