9 Best Virtual Job Fair Tips For Job Seekers in 2023

By Reid - January 2, 2023

Job search at virtual career fair

With the increase of popularity in technology and the internet, virtual job fairs have become a popular trend that helps connect employers with job seekers. Candidates can learn about different companies and job opportunities, while employers can reach a larger pool of potential candidates.

If you have a virtual career fair coming up, follow along with our tips and insights around attending these online events so you can make the most out of your next opportunity.

Career fairs present a chance for spry young professionals (like you) to pierce the veil of adulthood and take the first step toward landing that dream job.

However, typical career fairs can come with many negatives, like standing in long lines, battling through crowded auditoriums, and making awkward eye contact with people you don’t know.

There's no doubt that attending these events is beneficial, but is the hassle worth it? Lucky for us, technology has provided us with a convenient alternative…Virtual Job Fairs.

Virtual Career Fair Tips for Job Seekers (What you should expect)

1. Update Your Online Profiles

Social networking sites play an enormous role in connecting professionals. If you’re searching for jobs online, ensure you have a complete, up-to-date profile.

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking site, with millions of users worldwide, and it’s a great place to start.

2. Register in Advance

Make sure you’ve taken care of registration beforehand. As with all virtual events, you’ll need to know where to go to attend online, how to enter the platform, and how to navigate once you arrive.

3. Know Who’s There

Check out the details page associated with the fair. It should provide a full list of the companies and organizations registered to attend.

From there, you can research the employers that interest you most and prepare a plan to interact with them during the virtual fair. Most fairs allow early sign-ups for specific employer sessions, so go ahead and get your name on the list.

4. Have Your Resumé Ready

An online professional profile is critical, and you can link a copy of your resumé to that profile. Having that information ready in a sendable document is a good idea so ensure your resumé is well prepared, proofed, and up to date.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

The virtual fair allows you to speak with hiring professionals one on one. The atmosphere is more intimate than traditional career fairs.

When you get the opportunity to pitch yourself, ensure you’ve practiced. It’s imperative to highlight your skills and articulate your abilities when given a chance. Don’t stumble because of a lack of preparation.

Familiarize yourself with common interview questions, and be ready to tell employers why you’re interested.

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6. Dress the Part

When you get on a video chat, you don’t want to wear your torn high school band t-shirt. Dress for the job you want by throwing on some professional business attire, at least from the waist up.

I've seen firsthand several candidates get turned down by hiring managers due to how poorly they presented themselves in a virtual interview.

7. Find Privacy

You don’t want distractions breaking your focus. Position yourself in a quiet, clean space where the focus remains on you.

Your roommate screaming at the television in the background doesn’t set a good precedent. Neither does a mound of dirty clothes on your bed.

8. Be Punctual

Be on time. Joining a session late is a disservice to yourself and the employer. The virtual fair is your first shot at demonstrating your dependability.

Punctuality is also a way of showing respect by proving your future employer you value their time by being on time.

9. Mind your Grammar

Your interaction takes place through a chat function. Write as you would for a cover letter or resume, not how you would for a text message. You’re proving your professionalism here, so practice proper grammar as you communicate back and forth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do I need to know about virtual job fairs?

Virtual career fairs mirror their traditional counterparts. Employers attend with hopes of connecting with promising new talent. Job seekers take advantage of getting their name out there and learning about companies in an intimate setting.

The apparent difference is that the event is held online through interactive software. The communication is administered through chat rooms and virtual discussion posts that the attending employers host.

Once logged into the platform, you can select which room to enter.
Hosts receive a notification as attendees enter rooms.
Chat functions allow for conversation back and forth.
Group conversations are common and you can comment to join an ongoing discussion.
Employers can engage with more people at once in this format. Likewise, it’s easier for job seekers to ask questions and gather information quickly.
Those interested in a more formal conversation can request to speak with employers privately.

How do I follow up after the virtual career fair?

Say thanks, reiterate your interest after the fair, and prepare yourself for the next steps in the hiring process by following up.

A simple thank you can go a long way. Express your continued interest in the company, and inquire about the next steps in the hiring process.

If the company is hiring, go ahead, and submit your application. Remember, time kills all deals, so act quickly.

"Employment is projected to grow by 6.0 million jobs from 2019 to 2029"

— BLS

Wrapping Up | Virtual Job Fair Tips

Virtual career fairs are going to continue to increase in popularity over the coming years and can be a good option for job seekers for several reasons:

Convenience: Virtual job fairs can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, so you don't have to worry about traveling to a specific location.
Time-saving: Virtual job fairs can be more time-efficient than in-person job fairs because you don't have to commute or wait in line to speak with recruiters.
Opportunities: Virtual job fairs often feature a wide range of employers and job openings so that you can explore various options from the comfort of your home.
Networking: Virtual job fairs often include networking events or other opportunities to connect with professionals in your industry.
Accessibility: Virtual job fairs can be more accessible for people with disabilities or those who live in remote areas and may have difficulty traveling to in-person job fairs.

Prepare yourself ahead of time, and when the event comes, be ready to take the next step toward your new career. With the virtual job fair tips above, you'll be all the more likely to succeed.

Best of luck!

Title: Virtual Career Fair Tips for Job Seekers

Category: theSearch

Tags: job fair tips for job seekers, virtual career fair tips, questions to ask at a career fair, how do you succeed at a virtual career fair, virtual career day, virtual recruitment fair

Author: Reid is a contributor to theJub. He's an employment and marketing enthusiast who studied business before taking on various recruiting, management, and marketing roles. More from the author. | Author Profile