Stand Out and Get Ahead 4 Reasons for Attending a Career Fair

Hunting for your next job opportunity? Try your hand at a career fair. While you will find several job postings online, attending a career fair offers experiences you won’t quite get elsewhere.

A career fair allows you to explore various potential career paths, opportunities, and even employers all at once. While it is important that you know what you want out of a career, going to these events can help broaden your mind about the possibilities of where your career may take you. Read through to learn why you should consider attending job fairs in Malaysia and how jobseekers like you can prepare for one.

Advantages of job fairs

You might be wondering: Are career fairs worth it? The short answer is yes. Career fairs are an opportunity to sharpen your soft and professional skills, as well as improve how you conduct yourself. Plus, if you’re a fresh grad or an entry-level jobseeker, these fairs are especially valuable for you — they let you strike up connections and network with industry professionals. This gives you some leverage to potentially get ahead in your career later on.

Here are benefits for jobseekers attending a career fair in Malaysia.

1. It helps you get comfortable in professional situations

It can be intimidating facing a hiring manager or whoever is in charge, especially if it’s your first time. Job fairs can help you get used to these types of professional situations, by exposing you to different people and personalities. This lets you build your confidence and allows you to practice conversing with others in a professional situation.

2. It lets you learn how to present your professional side

When it comes to the workplace, it’s important to put your best foot forward. Given you are talking to multiple potential employers at once, this lets you get comfortable with presenting yourself in a professional way. Be confident and assertive.

3. It opens more doors for other career options

With several potential employers present all in one area, you get to see your range of options right then and there. It allows you to touch base with various employers and get to know if they have jobs or internships available. You can also learn more about these prospective employers better and learn if they are for you, something you may not get from an online job listing.

4. It gives you networking opportunities

Career fairs offer the foundation for your professional network, especially if you just got out of university or you just began your career. Having a network means opening up pathways to new opportunities down the line, even if they may not be as immediate. Plus, if people want to network with you, that means they trust you.

5. It encourages you to learn new skills

Upskilling is especially valuable today — and as a starting jobseeker, you could benefit from various seminars and talks such as how to land a job or how to conduct yourself in an interview.

What to expect from attending a career fair in Malaysia

Here, you’ll be able to chat with employers from numerous companies and discuss job postings. Some jobseekers are also immediately invited for an interview and receive offers on the spot. Most job fairs in Malaysia are hosted by a university, company, or organisation with the goal of building connections. Much like an initial job interview, career fairs are all about introductions.

What to do before attending a career fair

Doing your homework before attending a career fair will up your chances of making a good impression on employers. Here are some tips:

Establish a strong online profile

If you do not have one yet, craft an online resume stat. Consider that pre-qualifications and invitations can solely be based on this profile, so ensure all information is accurate — down to the date of your graduation. It is also important to communicate your skills and prospects.

Prepare a power outfit

Attending a career fair means there are several potential employers who may be out to scope you — but also have even more jobseekers within the area who may also be competing for the same spot or opportunities. Stand out of the crowd with a power outfit! You can never go wrong with a tailored navy or gray ensemble.

Sharpen your communication skills

Prepare an elevator pitch, which is a brief speech about yourself, your experiences, and your goals. (Answer: What is unique about you?) It should be short enough to deliver while on an elevator ride to your floor. Nothing more than a minute! 

Research about your target companies

Scan their websites, read up on the latest news about them, and know what you are getting into. This will help you craft questions and establish ample interest with your potential employer.

Formulating relevant questions will not just show you have done your research, but it will help create a connection and conversation opportunities with recruiters. You can also further assess your suitability for the role and the company. Here are possible questions you can include.

About the role

• What specific skills and experiences do you value the most from an ideal candidate?
• What are some of the personal attributes you look for in a successful candidate?
• A particular item in the job description seemed to be vague. May I ask for more details about [vague item]?
• I have worked as a [position] but in a different industry. Would my experience still be relevant for the [open position]?
• What are the challenges successful candidates might encounter in this role?
• To whom will the successful candidates be reporting?
• What are the usual day-to-day tasks for this role?

About the hiring process

• How long does the hiring process usually take?
• What are the different hiring stages for this position?
• What is the retention rate for this position?
• Are you hiring regularly or does it depend on the position?
• What will be the next step for this application?

About the recruiter

• How long have you been working for the company?
• What do you like the most about the company and your role?
• What are some of the challenges you faced in your work, and how did you overcome them?
• Do you have tips you can give to successful candidates?
• What is the best way to contact you for follow-up and other questions? 

About the company culture

• What is the company culture like?
• How has the company overcome some of its biggest challenges?
• What communication strategy do you mainly use within the organisation?
• How is the company supporting diversity and inclusion?
• What career development opportunities do you offer for this position?
• How do you encourage work-life balance?

What to do on the day of the career fair

The day has come! It’s time for the career fair. But what should you take note of for the day?

Keep it formal

This is still a professional setting, even if you are situated in your own room. So do not treat it like another casual get-together with friends. Be respectful: Address others properly and be on time.

Focus

Give your full attention on the screen — whether to the presentation or the person talking to you. Do not multitask. It might even help to keep your smartphone away.  

Answer with confidence

Consider any opportunity to speak with a potential employer as the first step in your job interview. Treat it like how you would introduce yourself in an actual interview: Full of confidence.

(Read more: How to Prepare for a Virtual Job Interview)

What to do after attending a career fair

The event is over. What to do once the career fair ends? 

Follow up

Do not hesitate to send a follow-up email to know your standing. Send one as soon as the fair is over to continue making a good impression. But do not be too aggressive and make sure to express gratitude. Remember these points when writing your follow-up message:

• Keep it short, professional, and to the point.
• Briefly introduce yourself.
• Include a thank you message.
• Reaffirm your interest.
• Express your wish to connect.

Here is a template you can use:

Dear [Name of Recruiter],

We met last [date] at the [name/location of career fair]. Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me—sharing your work experiences, and answering all my questions.

I appreciate learning more about [Company Name], and it significantly helped me assess how my relevant skills and experiences will be an excellent fit for the role. With this, I want to reaffirm my interest in the [role] position and hope for a chance to be part of your organisation.

I would like to stay in touch with you for any updates on my application. Let me know if there is anything else you need from my end. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you again for your time and consideration!

Sincerely,

[Your Name] 

Be patient 

You have already done your part. Do not beat yourself up if it is taking a while for the company to reply. It does not mean that they are not interested or you are under par. 

Putting yourself out there can be a scary situation, but it is critical to showcase your best self to move forward in your job search and safeguard your career. Remember: Make your first impression last.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join Asia’s Biggest Career Fair happening on February 18 to 19, 2023. This event provides access to reputable companies offering in-demand jobs, especially in the tech and digital industries. 

Make sure you also update your Jobstreet profile to inform employers of your current status. Get a hold of the perfect opportunity and #SEEKBetter jobs on the website or via the app. Visit the Career Resources page for more relevant career advice.