Job Fair Cliches - Apply With Your Resume

By Tim Sardano, Employment Times, LLC

Traditionally you want to bring multiple copies of your resume to a job fair. But you need to be aware there will be other ways to apply.

Some job fairs will have areas that job seekers can use to fill out applications. Think of applications you've filled out in the past. Did they require any special forms, such as a driver's license or other special forms of ID? You may not need them, but you should at least bring them with you so you don't have to apply at another time. You may lose out on the job if someone beats you to the punch because you had to go home to retrieve something.

Another trend we're finding is that you'll be asked to apply online. What's that? You'll drive all the way to a job fair only to be told you need to apply online? Yes, this is the case with some employers. If this happens to you, your initial reaction may be anger towards that employer and the person exhibiting on their behalf. But it's not their fault.

Several employers now a days are using what's called an applicant tracking system (ATS). This is a program added to their Web site that allows the company to code job openings and track applicants. As you can imagine with unemployment so high, such a system is needed for the employer to execute a more efficient candidate search. So what can you do to prepare for such a scenario? You should always research the companies exhibiting at a job fair before you attend. One such source of information on these exhibitors is their respective company Web site (view the blog two prior to this for more tips on researching companies). View the openings on their site and see if they use an online application form. If this is the case, and you see an opening that interests you, apply online BEFORE the job fair. This will give you an opening when speaking with the exhibitor. Why should you go to the job fair after you've already applied? Never underestimate the opportunity to make an impression. Online applications are faceless, both for the employer and the job seeker. Showing up at the job fair after you've applied and making contact with the employer there will add an identity to your online application.

You should also bring an electronic resume on disk. Other forms of the apply online function include an e-mail with the need for a resume attachment – you can't attach your paper resume to an e-mail. Some job fairs may have computers available that you can use, just be aware of the software you used to create your resume that's on disk. If you're using a program that was popular in the 90's to create your resume, it more than likely won't be usable on computers today.

If you lack a computer or the ability to get online from home, check in with your local library or career center. These locations will have computers available. Call ahead if you need special accommodations.

All this being said, don't forget to bring plenty of copies of your resume. You should bring at least half the number of exhibitors of your resume, as a good rule of thumb – if there's 30 exhibitors, bring at least 15 resumes. Some job fairs may have a copier on site but it never hurts to overestimate, just to be safe.