Job Fairs: How to best Prepare

Looking for a job these days is very competitive in BPO Philippines, especially if the company you want to work for is known for giving great salaries and compensation.

You'll not be competing against 1 or 2 other people for the job but perhaps against dozens especially if you're looking employment quickly by attending a job fair.



A job fair, also known as a career expo/exposition, is an event for employers and recruiters to meet with prospective job seekers.

Usually held in campuses, public venues like trade halls or sports complexes or at the company premises; a job fair features company or organization tables or booths where resumes can be submitted and on-the-spot interviews can be conducted.

Sponsored by companies and career centers, job fairs provide a convenient location for jobseekers to meet employers and perform first interviews. Job fairs are good places to meet company representatives during a short period of time.

Networking at job fairs includes interacting with, obtaining contact details of, and getting to know corporate recruiters.

To attend a job fair, you have to be prepared as if you're going straight and serious to a job interview. Preparation and right attitude is essential to a successful job fair experience.

1. Prepare the requirements. Bring several copies of your updated resume, portfolios of your sample works, and business cards if you have some prepared.

Also, be ready with a pen and a notepad for filling up application forms and taking down contact details of companies you want to look up on later.

2. Plan ahead. Especially if the job fair is just a one-day event, manage your time better with a plan. Don’t go there and submit a resume at the booth nearest the entrance.

Take time to browse around and take note of the companies you'd like to send your resumes to later on so you could have a few minutes to prepare for a possible instant interview.

It might be smart to consider the location of the job fair, if there are any washrooms and foodplaces close by. Better bring some candy and bottled water to help sustain your energy, especially if the job fair last a whole day.

3. Dress appropriately. Dress to impress, that you mean business but dress for comfort as well. Dress smart, and wear comfortable shoes since it's to be expected that you'll be roaming around the booths and maybe wait in line.

Also keep in mind that in job fairs, ventilation can be an issue and in a venue full of warm bodies, it's best to prepare ways to remain cool and dry.

4. Smile and mingle. Attending job fairs is a great way to learn and gain experience in how to best interact with people in interviews.

Practice how you will interact with the people manning the booths.  Straight introductions, strong handshakes and eye contact. Common courtesy et cetera.

Learn as much as you can from the information being handed out and don't be shy to ask questions.

This way you show interest in the company, the recruitment process. Ask also for the name and contact detail of the interviewer or the person in charge of the on-site recruitment so you could follow-up your application yourself.

If you keep in mind the following tips, it could also be your ticket to a successful career in BPO Philippines. You could even go home the very same day hired with a job and contract for the next day!