Once upon a time, job fairs were something like a job vending machine. Put in your resume, shake a hand, and probably get hired on the spot. Career fairs have evolved just as much as the labour market has, and employment is a sophisticated dance that requires more finesse than ever. Why should you invest your time and energy into attending the Industry Days Hiring Fair coming up at BCIT on May 2nd unless you’ll be guaranteed a job offer right then and there?
Maybe you’ve graduated or are nearly there. You’ve researched the companies attending the career fair and narrowed down a list of relevant roles for which they are hiring. With a customized resume in hand, you start a promising conversation with the Hiring Manager, only to have the conversation end with “definitely submit your application online”. Don’t be discouraged! You’ve gained more than you think: in your cover letter, mention that after meeting (insert your new contact here) and finding out how closely your attitude and work ethic line up with the company’s culture, you were encouraged to apply for the role. If you’ve managed the conversation well, you’ve learned specific details about the work the company does and what will make you the right fit for the role. These details are vital for strengthening your application and for the interview.
If you’re not actively looking for work, career fairs are perhaps your first exposure (outside of faculty) to professionals in your future industry. Here’s your chance to explore career options and find out firsthand from employers what steps you can take in the meantime to help you stand out come graduation time. Does volunteer work really impress employers in your industry? How did the technical manager you’re speaking with start out in their career? How long does it typically take a junior role to grow into more a intermediate position? Asking the right questions and turning a conversation into a meaningful contact takes planning and practice, and Career Services is here to support you.
There are plenty of ways to ensure you leave the event more job-ready than when you arrived. Join one of the Prep Session workshops at Burnaby Campus on April 23rd and April 26, at the Downtown Campus April 24 and May 1 or take the Online Workshop: April 23 – May 1. Take your communications skills to the next level by joining the PitchMasters workshop April 25, hosted by Christian Saint Cyr, author of the BC Job Search Guide and expert job search coach. Another option is a one-to-one meeting with your Career Specialist in person, through email, or phone. Whatever option you choose, don’t end up aimlessly wandering the Industry Days Hiring Fair unsure what you’re there for. An hour or two of preparation will have you leaving the event feeling confident and ready to follow up with some action steps in the direction of your career goals.
