A part of the post-COVID work world means realizing that much of what we used to do in person is now going to be done online. That includes pretty much all of your career efforts like networking, mixers, and career fairs. Let’s take a look at what a virtual career fair is and how you can maximize attending one. We’ll be hosting a fair in May, so be on the lookout for the registration form.

What is a virtual fair?

An online job fair is just like an in-person event that takes place at a certain time inside a virtual space. Employers and job seekers use a chat room, webcasts, webinars, and maybe video options to meet and network. During this time, information is exchanged about open positions available at the companies that attend the fair. As a job seeker, it’s your responsibility to upload your resume to begin the process of being “matched” with employers as the first step toward a possible interview. You can also browse the “booths” to look for companies that might align with your interests.

Register

Before the fair, make sure you’re registered. This helps prevent any last-minute issues and gives you a chance to see which employers will be represented at the fair.

Research

Research the organizations participating. It’s a great idea to get to know some of the companies who will be attending the event. Even better, this gives you a chance to prepare some questions ahead of time. Learning about the companies before the event can help set you apart from the rest of the attendees.

Check your resume

A strong resume can mean the difference between getting a call back for an interview or not. If your resume isn’t great, don’t worry. You can easily follow some of our simple templates to get it in good order quickly. Check out this article on action verbs to include in your resume, and the difference between a functional and chronological resume.

Practice pitching Just like at in-person events, you need a strong elevator pitch to highlight your skills. Elevator pitches should be polished and practices. Especially in these uncertain times, knowing how to explain why you’re a potential asset is very important.

To maximize a virtual career fair, keep the following things in mind.

First, this is a virtual event, so make sure you’re in a space that’s quiet. Before the fair begins, have everything you think you might need (like a glass of water or a notebook to take notes) ready to go and nearby. Make sure your phone is on silent. Mute all notifications so you’re not distracted. Treat this exactly like an in-person event to make the most of it. That also includes dressing the part.

Don’t let the idea of a virtual fair intimidate you. If you’ve been on the job hunt for a while, this should all feel very familiar. If you’re new to the employment search, be kind to yourself. Remember the more prepared you are ahead of time, the better your experience will be.

Our hiring event in May is going to help bring veteran-friendly companies right to you. Space is limited, so make sure you register early.