How to Find a Career Coach

You may be considering working with a coach if you just got laid off, are contemplating an industry change, or want to level up in your career. There are tons of coaches and professional resume writers out there, but how do you find the right one?

What steps do you take to vet them? Are there best practices when it comes to finding and selecting a career coach? Keep reading. In this article, I share proven strategies to help you find and select the best one for you.

3 Steps To Find a Career Coach

Let’s get started. The following are three steps to help you find the best career coach for your needs.

1. Consult industry associations.

Because the career industry is unregulated, anyone can claim to be a career coach. I recommend starting your research by turning to top career and resume writing industry associations such as Career Directors International (CDI), Career Thought Leaders (CTL), and the National Résumé Writers’ Association (NRWA) to identify suitable coaches. Read through the coach’s profile to get an understanding of their credentials, the clients they serve, and the services they offer.

2. Ask for recommendations.

As you begin to narrow down your search for a coach, you can also ask for recommendations from people you trust. Your friends, family members, and mentors may be able to recommend a career coach or professional resume writer they trust.

If you are publicly looking for a new job, you can also use social media to crowdsource recommendations. Along a similar line, you can review top career coach lists online.

3. Consider the career influencers you already follow.

Take a little time to think about the career experts you admire. Are there influencers you already follow on social media? Whose articles do you turn to for advice? Perhaps you heard someone speak at an industry conference. One of these career experts may be a good fit for you.

How To Choose a Career Coach

Now that you have identified potential experts to support you, how do you select the best one? I recommend starting by reviewing their social media presence. This allows you to quickly get a sense of their Zone of Genius and see if their career advice resonates with you. You can also observe the more personal side of their brand and take note of how they interact with their community.

But social is just the first step in researching coaches. While anyone can build an impressive social media following, you want someone who is a true expert in your industry, who can effectively address your unique pain points. What industry events does the prospective coach speak at? In what publications do they appear? How compelling is the brand they have created for themselves? Be careful. If the coach cannot successfully market themselves, how will they help market you?

Next, look closely at the testimonials they have received. How similar are you to these clients? Can you see yourself in their stories? Importantly, you want to ensure the testimonials are legitimate, verified, and from one-to-one coaching clients. Personally, I request all my testimonials via LinkedIn, which gives them greater legitimacy.

Remember: The career industry is unregulated. As part of your due diligence, ask about your prospective coach’s credentials, education, and advanced training. You deserve a coach who is truly committed to the profession. Be cautious if they have not pursued advanced training in the field.

Finally, speak one-to-one with several coaches to find the best one for you. Learn more about their coaching philosophy, style, and pricing. Each coach should provide you ample time to answer any questions you have. Then, choose the coach with whom you feel the greatest connection and confidence. You’ve got this!

Guest author Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES (he/him/his) is the founder and career coach behind CaffeinatedKyle.com. His expertise is in Silicon Valley and high tech. He is an official member of the invitation-only Forbes Coaches Council as well as a member of the Gay Coaches Alliance.

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Tips for Attending a Career Fair

Have you thought about participating in a career fair? Not sure how they work or what you should do when you get there? Whether you’re job hunting or thinking about making a career move, it’s worth taking some time to attend job and career fairs (the terms are used interchangeably).

You will have the opportunity to meet with companies that you might not be able to access any other way. You’ll also be able to explore career options, talk to prospective employers inperson, learn about companies and available roles, and apply for jobs. You may be able to interview for open jobs, andyou could even get an immediate job offer for in-demand jobs.

In addition, job fairs and career expos typically offer networking programs, resume reviews, job search workshops, and other workshops for attendees.

Here’s what you need to know about preparing to attend a job fair, how they work, what to bring, how to participate, and the best ways to make a good impression.

How to Prepare for a Job Fair

Here’s how to get ready to attend:

Register in Advance

For some job fairs, you’ll be able to just show up. For others, you may need to register online to participate. Have your resume ready when you register, in case there’s an opportunity to upload it as part of the registration process.

Dress Appropriately

Attend the job fair dressed for success in interview attire and bring a portfolio or folder for your materials, if you have one. Your interview attire should err on the side of the conservative. Many fairs suggest guidelines for what to wear—it could be casual, business casual, or professional attire, depending on the type of fair and the organizations that are participating.

Check the fair’s website for recommendations on appropriate attire. At the least, make sure that your outfit is neat, clean, and tidy.

Tip: Make sure your shoes are comfortable, because you may be standing in line.

Get Ready to Pitch Your Credentials

Practice a quick pitch summarizing your skills and experience, so you’re ready to promote your candidacy to prospective employers. Also called an “elevator speech” (because it should only be 30 to 60 seconds long, the time the typical ride on an elevator takes), this pitch should enthusiastically explain who you are, what your skills are, and what your career goal is. The more you practice this pitch beforehand, the more confident you’ll feel delivering it at the job fair.

Check Out Companies Ahead of Time

Many job fairs and career expos have information on participating companies on the job fair website. Be prepared to talk to hiring managers by checking out the company’s website, mission, open positions, and general information before you go. If you demonstrate knowledge about each company or manager you’re talking to, you’ll certainly stand out from the crowd.

Make a list of the companies you’d like to meet with the most and visit their booths first. Then, if time permits, you can browse the booths and meet with other employers that catch your interest.

Be Prepared to Interview

Some job fairs have on-the-spot interviews, so be prepared to answer interview questions and discuss your credentials with hiring managers. Taking the time to prepare in advance will ensure you’re ready to interview—and to get hired.

Have Questions Ready to Ask

Have some questions ready for the company representatives that illustrate your knowledge of their organization. Employers are not merely looking for the most skilled candidate for the job—they are looking for candidates who are truly interested in their company. The more you engage them, focusing the discourse on their company’s needs, the better the impression you’ll make.

Tips for Attending a Job Fair

Here are tips for getting the most out of the job fairs you attend:

Bring Your Resume

Bring extra copies of your resume, pens, and a notepad, and consider bringing business cards with your name, your email address, and your cellphone number. You might also want to consider bringing “mini resume” cards as an efficient way to sum up your candidacy. A mini resume is a short synopsis of your credentials.

Arrive Early

Keep in mind that lines can be long, so arrive early—before the fair officially opens. Give yourself plenty of time to meet with companies and talk to hiring representatives.

Show Initiative

Shake hands and introduce yourself to recruiters when you reach the table. Maintain direct eye contact. Demonstrate your interest in the company and its job opportunities.

Be Positive

Employer surveys identify some of the most important personal attributes candidates can bring to a new position as positivity and enthusiasm. This means that employers want to see you smile!

Collect Contact Information

Collect contact information or business cards, so you have the contact information for the people you have spoken with. After you get home, immediately compile this information into a contact list and use it to send “Connect” requests on LinkedIn.

Take Notes

It’s hard to keep track when you’re meeting with multiple employers in a busy environment. Jot down notes on your phone, on the back of the business cards you have collected, or on your notepad, so you have a reminder of who you spoke to about what.

Participate in Workshops

If the job fair has workshops or seminars, attend them. In addition to getting job search help, career advice, and/or your resume reviewed, you’ll have more opportunities to network.

Spend Time Networking

While you are waiting in line, talk to others and exchange contact information. You never know who might be able to help with your job search. Along the same lines, remember to stay polite and professional.

Even if you’re feeling discouraged in your job search, don’t vent to other participants about your situation or about any specific companies. Keep it positive and make the most of the opportunity.

Follow Up After the Fair

Take the time to send a brief follow-up thank-you note or email to the company representatives you met at the job fair. It’s a good way to reiterate your interest in the company and to remind company representatives that you’re a strong candidate.

Tips for Attending a Virtual Career Fair

Virtual job fairs are very similar to in-person events, other than how you will participate online. Typically, there are opportunities to meet companies in both group and one-on-one settings, and to learn more about the company. Here’s what you need to know about attending a virtual career fair.

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5 Ways to Fund Your Freelance Career

You’ve heard the advice, ad nauseam: if you want to turn freelancing into a career, you need to have three to six months of expenses saved up, plus start-up costs, before you take the leap. That sounds practical, but how are you, a normal working person—not a lottery winner or a trust-fund baby—supposed to make that happen?

 By using the smarts that will make you a success once you’re a full-time freelancer, you can find the funding you need. It’s all a matter of rearranging finances and your schedule to reflect your new No. 1 priority: being your own boss and making your freelance dreams come true.

Here’s where to start looking for the money:

1. Cut Expenses

If you’ve never made a basic household budget, now’s the time to start. Budgeting is not most people’s idea of a good time, but if you want to save money without feeling deprived, the first thing to do is to figure out where your money is going right now, and then make the cuts that will sting the least.

For example, when I went freelance, my husband and I went over our expenses and realized that we could save over $100 a month by cutting cable and going with streaming services. Although I went into the switch feeling a bit nervous about how I’d keep up with my TV series (I know, I know), the end result was that we continued watching the same shows as always, with relative ease. 

The cost savings we achieved with that, plus a few other fairly easy choices, meant that I could buy myself a bit more time to see if freelancing was the right decision for me.

Bottom line: don’t assume that being frugal has to hurt. If you look honestly at your expenditures, you’ll probably see a few places where you can make some fairly painless cuts.

2. Make More Money

You could look for an extra part-time job, but if your day job is like most, you won’t have time to juggle both and be effective in either. My best advice for someone who’s looking for extra money to fund a transition to freelance is to start that switch right now and make a gradual move to full-time, freelance work.

By picking up a few gigs here and there, you can determine whether the freelance lifestyle is right for you, as well as figure out which types of clients and jobs suit you best. And because you won’t be committing to another regular job, there’s less chance that you’ll get in trouble with your full-time employer while you bank money

3. Use a Windfall

Did you get a tax refund, a settlement, or money for an event or milestone? Consider using it as a nest egg to finance your new venture. You can always make a plan to pay yourself back over time, if it feels wrong to burn through an unusual influx of cash by switching to freelance.

4. Use Severance Pay

If you’re considering freelance in part because you’ve been laid off or otherwise lost your job, severance can be a great way to finance the next phase in your career. Just be sure that you read the fine print in your severance policy so that you’ll understand exactly how much money you can expect to receive, after taxes, for how long, and whether healthcare benefits and other perks will be included in your package.

5. Consider a Loan

There’s a reason this one appears at the bottom of the list: if you’re going freelance, and not starting a business with demonstrable cash flow and the potential for market analysis, you’re probably not going to convince a bank to give you a small business loan.

Nor would I necessarily recommend that you hit up friends and family for money, especially before you’re sure you’ll make enough to pay them back in a timely fashion. But if you have other sources of financing, and a growing client base, and need a little extra to make the leap, a small personal loan can get you there that much faster.

Just be sure to spell out terms in writing and to fulfill your promises to your benefactor. You don’t want there to be any confus

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10 Things You Need to Start Working as a Freelancer

Are you interested in becoming a freelancer? Freelancing isn’t all working in your pajamas and cashing client checks. If you want to escape the rat race for good, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for both good times and bad.

Back your passion with the right preparation, and you’ll never have to go back to working under those buzzing fluorescent lights ever again. Here are 10 things you need to get started.

1. An Idea

What do you have to sell that others want to buy? Even if you don’t produce widgets, or specialize in a single service, it’s a good idea to clarify this point before you get started. Think about what differentiates your business from your competitors. It’s perfectly fine for your answer to evolve over time—and it will—but you need to start out with this question in mind.

2. A Plan

If you’re not pitching your business to investors, you might not need a formal business plan. But you do need some goals, if only to be able to assess whether you’re moving in the right direction. A little preparation before you hang out your shingle will save you time and trouble down the road.

3. A Pricing System

Freelance rates vary widely by industry, geographic area, skillset, and experience. There’s no set formula for determining yours, but a few things to keep in mind are:

• Your rate of pay for the same work at your day job. If you were full-time and salaried, don’t forget to add in the value of benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement.
• Whether you want to bill hourly or by the project. (This will likely change from gig to gig.)
• Your absolute drop-dead dollar amount. Do not pitch this number, of course, but keep it in mind. You might accept lower pay when you’re starting out and building experience, but you’ll want to develop an idea of how low is too low, so that you don’t keep taking jobs that don’t pay enough. There’s no quicker way to become an ex-freelancer than by consistently pricing too low.

4. Savings

Most experts recommend that everyone sock away three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund. If you’re starting a business, you also need to add in startup costs and money for unexpected expenses, e.g., replacing a laptop.

For most working people, that can seem like a prohibitively large amount of money. Before you give in and give up on your freelance dreams, think big. There are plenty of ways to raise money, without borrowing against your 401(k) or putting everything on a credit card. (Note: do not do either of these things.) The best is probably starting your freelance career while you still have a day job and banking the money you make to take a leap.

5. A Client Base

The need for money in the bank is just one reason why it’s a good idea to start freelancing on a small scale while you have a day job; another is that you’ll have an opportunity to build up a roster of clients before you go out on your own.

Having two or three solid clients before you get started means that you have a measure of security, right from day one, because you’ll know, roughly, when you’ll be paid. Plus, you’ll have time to work out any kinks in the client-freelancer relationship while you still have a job to fall back on if things don’t work out.

6. A Way to Handle Money

You don’t necessarily need an accountant, but you do need a way to keep track of expenses and invoices, and a means of tracking and paying estimated quarterly taxes.

When you work for someone else, they provide the equipment, from computers to desks to software. When you’re on your own, well, it’s up to you. The upside is that you can set up your work environment in a way that meets your needs, not those of an employer—and you can write off your purchases.

Important: Save your receipts and be sure to note why each expense qualifies as a write-off as you file them.

8. Discipline

Many people go into freelancing assuming that the best part about it will be flexibility, only to discover that clients get tetchy if they routinely can’t get a hold of you during normal business hours, and that it’s almost impossible to put in 40 or 50 hours a week if you get up at noon. (Almost impossible: night owls might prefer a later schedule, and if they’re willing to work at night, and have amenable clients, that’s OK.)

Just remember that while your clients can’t ask you, for example, to be available for a total of 15 hours a week, but demand instant access whenever they decide those 15 hours should occur, you will need to be accessible. It’s a fact of modern working life that everyone is in a hurry, all the time. If you’re not available, you won’t get—or keep—the gig.

9. Persistence

Even the most successful and blissfully happy freelancers have dark days, especially in the beginning. Don’t be discouraged if you find yourself wondering whether you’ve made a mistake. If you and the freelance life are a good fit for one another, things will work out. Either way, a bit of self-reflection is any career-minded person’s friend.

10. A Willingness to Reassess

Finally, it’s a good idea to reassess your goals periodically to make sure that freelancing is still providing what you need. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you won’t know if you’re on the right path.

Tip: Sometimes, freelancing might not be the best option for this stage of your career. Here are 5 reasons not to be become a freelancer, and the pros and cons of freelancing.

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How to Find the Best Boss

Working for the right boss (or the wrong one) can make a huge difference in how you feel about your job and the company you’re working for. One of the keys to job satisfaction is the quality of the relationship between employees and their supervisors, and one of the most important career decisions that you’ll ever make is selecting your next boss. And, yes, you do get to choose. Not being comfortable with the team you’d be working on and your prospective co-workers is an acceptable reason for declining a job offer.

The boss is the person who’s typically making the hiring decision, but you don’t have to accept a job offer if you feel the chemistry between you and the person you would be working for doesn’t feel right. If you have one of the best bosses to work for, your job will be much easier. Working for a bad boss can make a job a nightmare.

Even though you are the one getting hired, you’re also interviewing the company and your potential boss. It’s important to make sure that you’ll be working for someone with the right skills to enable you to be successful on the job. It’s also important to be sure that your personality meshes—rather than clashes—with your prospective manager’s personality.

Here are tips for checking out the person who might be your next manager, how to assess whether the person is a good match for what you’re seeking in a boss, and what to do if you’re not sure it’s the best fit.

Tips for Checking Out a Prospective Boss

Candidates are often not thorough enough in assessing their prospective supervisor, since they are preoccupied with making a strong case for being hired during the interview process. By taking the following steps prior to accepting an offer, you can increase your due diligence and improve the odds that your next boss will be a good one.

Make a List of What You’re Looking For

In advance of your interviews, reflect on your work history. Identify the type of supervisors under whom you have thrived, and those who have made life difficult for you.

Develop a list of specific qualities that you would like to see (and avoid) in your next boss. Review the list before interviews so that you can keep these criteria in mind as you go through the interview process. Knowing what you’re looking for can make the assessment process easier.

Assess How Your Future Boss Measures Up

Most individuals look for a boss who is approachable, provides feedback in a constructive manner, recognizes accomplishments, gives credit to employees, provides direction but doesn’t micromanage, is open to input from staff, and supports the career advancement and professional development of their employees.

Keep your eyes and ears open during the interview process for any indicators on whether your prospective boss can measure up in these areas. Also, be aware of anything that may indicate a red flag and a potentially difficult boss.

Meet With Employees If Possible

Many prospective employers will provide an opportunity to meet with employees who either report to your prospective boss or are familiar with their style.

If opportunities to meet with other staff aren’t offered during the interview process, you might ask to meet with other potential colleagues after you receive a job offer. During these lunches or interviews, ask questions that can help you gain some insight into how your boss is perceived.

Ask Questions

You can learn a great deal about your prospective supervisor by asking questions like:

• How would you describe their management style?
• What are some of their strong qualities as a leader?
• What is it like to work for him?
• Are there any challenges you’ve had working with your manager?
• How much flexibility do you have in your role?
• How frequently do you meet with them?
• What opportunities are there for professional development?

Check Social Media

Check out the person’s LinkedIn, Twitter, and any other social media pages you can find. Someone’s public persona can at least give you a hint at what they might be like to work for.

Read Employer Reviews

Even though you might not find direct evidence supporting what type of boss a person might be, reading reviews can provide insight into an organization and the people who work at it.

Here are some sites where you can read company reviews from current and former employees:

• CareerBliss Company Reviews
• Comparably Company Ratings
• Indeed Company Reviews
• Glassdoor Company Reviews

Tip: You may also be able to research salaries to learn what you can expect to be paid while you’re checking out the company.

Check With Your LinkedIn Connections

Look through your LinkedIn contacts to determine if any of your immediate or second-level contacts have worked at the company. If so, you might ask them some discreet questions about your prospective supervisor and his or her style.

This should be done in the spirit of due diligence without revealing any misgivings or concerns you may have about your potential supervisor unless the contact is a well-trusted friend. You don’t want anything remotely construed as negative getting back to the person who may become your new manager.

Ask for One More Meeting

You may still have concerns after you’ve done your due diligence and learned as much as you can about the person who might be your next boss. Once a job offer has been tendered, it is appropriate to ask for an additional meeting with your prospective supervisor if you’re still not sure.

During the meeting, you can inquire about expectations for performance and how it would be measured, frequency of meetings, resources for professional development, your new employer’s position on supporting career advancement over time, and any other concerns which may have emerged during the process of interviewing for the position.

The Bottom Line

Taking the time to carefully evaluate your new boss prior to accepting a job offer can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises once you are on the job. Remember, you don’t have to accept a job offer immediately. You can ask for more time to consider the offer before you accept or decline.

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How to Get Ready for a Job Interview

The old saying that “practice makes perfect” is appropriate when it comes to interviewing. If it doesn’t make you perfect, it will, at least, help you interview effectively. Don’t start getting ready late the night before the interview. Take time in advance to prepare for your interview. 

If you have a family member or friend who will spend some time helping you, ask them to ask you some typical interview questions. The more you practice answering, the more comfortable you will be with your responses. 

Tip: Need more help? There are free online interview practice tools you can use to get ready to ace a job interview.

If you can, record your practice interview so you can watch what you look and sound like. You’ll be able to see what you need to improve. Then do it again. Keep practicing until you’re comfortable with your responses and comfortable watching yourself interview. 

Check your nonverbal communications as well as your verbal responses. Be sure you’re not fidgeting or twitching or disconnected—pay attention. Employers notice these nonverbal responses, so be aware of the demeanor you portray and try to stay calm and quiet while waiting for the interview and during it. Your goal is for your entire package, your image, to be perfect.

When Your Interview is Remote

Virtual interviews can be easier than in-person meetings. You don’t have to worry about getting there on time or stress over the details of interviewing in person. However, it’s still important to prepare in advance and pay attention to all the details of a remote interview so you can make the best impression. 

Tip: Here’s how to look stylish and maximize your Zoom presence during a job interview. 

When You’re Interviewing In-Person

There are some things you shouldn’t plan on bringing with you to the interview. If you’re a smoker, leave the cigarettes at home or in your car. Make sure you use a breath mint before you enter the building. 

Don’t chew gum or munch on candy either. Silence your phone. The same goes for coffee and soda. Don’t walk into the interview carrying a cup of coffee, however much you might think you need it. Interviewees who have done some or all of the above have jeopardized their chance of getting the job.

Tip: Here’s the best interview attire for every type of job interview. 

Interview Preparation Checklist

Here’s an interview checklist to use to get ready for your interview.

[  ] Review the job posting. 

[  ] Research the company. 

[  ] Review interview questions

[  ] Generate a list of questions to ask

[  ] Review your resume

[  ] Itemize the qualifications you have for the job

[  ] Get irections to the interview location

[  ] Get your interview clothes ready (the evening before) 

[  ] Pack your portfolio with your resume, a notepad, and a pen

[  ] Double-check the name of your interviewer, so you know with whom you are meeting 

Review Your Resume

Reviewing your resume sounds a little odd, doesn’t it? Believe it or not, I’ve interviewed job applicants whose answers didn’t match what was on their resume. They either didn’t remember what years they had worked at which job, or they were fuzzy on the details of what they had done at their previous jobs.

Tip: Make sure you know what you put on your resume and make sure your answers match what you tell the interviewer. 

Research the Company

Researching the company is important, too, for a couple of reasons. First of all, one of the questions you may be asked is “What do you know about this company?” and you need to be able to provide an informative answer. Secondly, you want to know as much about the company because you need to decide if you want to work there. 

Visit the company’s website (the easiest way to find it is to search for the company name on Google), and look at every section. Read the company mission statement and goals for the future. Learn what the company does and how they do it. Understand the products or services the company sells and how they market them. Review senior management bios as well as the information about the company and benefits available in the Careers or About Us section of the company website. The more you know, the more effectively you will be able to interview.

Check out the company’s LinkedIn profile, Twitter feed, Instagram, and Facebook page, if they have them. You’ll find a wealth of information about the company, its management, and its employees. Use LinkedIn to see who you know at the company. Those connections may be able to give you insider advice and tips on interviewing strategies. 

How to Handle the Interview

Keep it Professional

Professional communications are as important during the interview as they are when you submit your resume and cover letter. That means all communications from the time you arrive at the interview until it’s over.

Arrive on time for the interview. On time means a few minutes early. You may need to complete an application, and you don’t want to be rushing into the lobby of the building at the last minute. If you aren’t sure where the office is located, do a trial run the day before so you know exactly where you are going, where you can park, and how long it is going to take you to get there. Give yourself a little extra time, so you have a cushion just in case you’re delayed. 

If you’re nervous (and that can happen to anyone, even those who interview a lot!), visit the restroom, wash and dry your hands so your palms aren’t sweaty, and get a drink of water. If sweating is an issue, keep a tissue in your pocket so you can dry your hands discreetly before you shake hands with anyone. 

Manners Matter

Next, consider manners, because they do matter. Remember that teacher who used to tell you to sit up straight and pay attention? Well, that’s exactly what you need to do during the interview. Don’t slouch or recline in your chair, even when you’re interviewing from home. Listen attentively to the interviewer and don’t interrupt.

Pause Before You Respond

Do take time, if you need to, to consider your response, so your answer is complete. Don’t talk too much. I have interviewed some candidates who talked way too much. They were trying so hard to sell me on hiring them that they didn’t listen to a word I said. Rambling on and on didn’t make a good impression on me and isn’t going to make a good impression on any interviewer.

Send a Thank-You Note

Sending a thank-you note or email is the best way to cement the good impression you just left the interviewer with. Reiterate your interest and excitement about the opportunity, and use your message as a chance to mention anything you neglected to say during the interview.

More About Interview Preparation: Job Interview Questions, Answers, and Best Tips to Prepare

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How to Prepare for a Virtual Career Fair

Just like an in-person career fair, a virtual career fair offers candidates and employers an easy way to connect. The main difference is that virtual job fairs occur online, using technology, so you don’t need to travel or even leave your home to attend. 

Virtual career fairs—also known as online career fairs—have a lot of benefits for job seekers. For instance, attending one can be less taxing for introverted job seekers, and it can cut down on travel-related expenses for people living in remote areas. 

If you’re interested in attending a virtual career fair, here’s what you need to know. 

Benefits of an Online Job Fair

In many ways, virtual job fairs resemble in-person events. Typically, there are opportunities to meet companies in both group and one-on-one settings, and to learn more about the company. 

Here are a few of the benefits of a virtual career fair over an in-person event: 

• Less travel: Even if you live in the vicinity of a fair, it can take a significant amount of time to attend it. If you’re attending online, however, you can get those commuting hours back. Plus, you may find it a bit easier to pop in and out of the event, arranging your attendance around your schedule. 
• Less expensive: And, of course, if you’re traveling less, you’re likely spending less money. Overall, attending a virtual career fair can be a more convenient experience. 
• More focused attention: You may find that by attending a virtual career fair, you’re able to attend one-on-one meetings with recruiters and other company representatives. You won’t have to hustle your way to the front of an in-person line while other people are huddled around. 

How to Find a Virtual Career Fair 

There are a few ways to find a virtual career fair if you’re interested in attending one: 

• Check college and university websites: Reach out to the alumni association or career reps from your college and university to see if they are organizing any virtual career fairs. 
• Search online: If you’re looking to work in a certain location, do an online search with the location and “virtual career fair.” For instance, you might search “Washington D.C. virtual career fair.” You can also browse career fair listings at sites like Eventbrite and NationalCareerFairs.com. 
• Look at company websites and social media: If you have certain industries or companies where you’re interested in working, try searching to see if they’ll be participating or hosting a virtual job fair.
• Look on social media: Don’t forget to also search on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Types of Career Fairs 

There are several types of virtual career fairs that you might attend. For instance, some career fairs are hosted by a single large organization or company (think: the military) while others involve multiple employers. 

There are regional career fairs, aimed at attracting employees to work in a set geographical location, as well as national career fairs where employers may be hiring in multiple locations. 

There are also career fairs aimed at certain demographic groups, such as veterans or minorities, as well as fairs organized by career level or industry. 

You may also attend a virtual career fair put on by a consortium (aka an association of like-minded organizations) or professional organizations. Colleges and universities host career fairs, as do graduate schools. 

TIP: Some career fairs may be hybrid, with both virtual and in-person attendees.

How to Sign Up for a Virtual Career Fair 

The registration instructions will vary from one career fair to another. In general, you will need to register in advance. Organizers will be eager to know the number of attendees and may close registration before the day of the event.

Typically, to register you’ll need to fill out an online form that will ask for your name, some demographic-type information, and other details. 

You will likely also be asked to upload your resume—make sure it’s in great condition before doing so. 

Important: Given that virtual career fairs take place online, you’ll need to have a good internet connection and a quiet space for the day of the event. The same tips that apply for a successful video interview are helpful during a virtual career fair. 

For some virtual career fairs, you may need to set your schedule for the day in advance, signing up for certain set events or meetings with employers. 

How to Make a Good Impression During a Virtual Career Fair 

A virtual career fair is an opportunity to connect with hiring companies and organizations. So, you’ll want to make a positive impression. Here’s how. 

Prepare beforehand. 

Research the companies attending the career fair. That way, you’ll be prepared to speak to their needs in conversations. 

You’ll also want to come prepared with plenty of questions for potential employers. If you’re attending sessions, you can prepare questions for those as well. 

Finally, make sure you have your resume ready to send to people—either during the conference or afterward. 

Prep your elevator pitch. 

While a virtual fair may allow you more focused one-on-one time than an in-person job fair, you’ll still want to be prepared to give a quick introduction of yourself. Work on your elevator pitch, which is a quick summary of your skills and experience. 

Bring your energy. 

A full day spent in front of the computer can sap your enthusiasm. Still, treat this like an in-person event in terms of aiming to keep your energy levels high. Seek to be an active—not passive—participant. That means asking questions during group sessions if the session leader requests them, taking notes, and so on. 

TIP: Take notes throughout. This will help you remember any tips or standout moments. It will also be helpful as you’re following up with employers after the event. 

Above all, participate as much as you can—this may mean attending panel conversations and asking questions, raising your hand at group events, and scheduling yourself one-on-one meetings with recruiters. 

Dress professionally. 

You may be at home in your living room but aim to present yourself as though you’re interviewing in person. Choose an outfit you’d wear to a job interview.

TIP: While wearing a business casual outfit is likely appropriate, adjust as needed depending on the industry. You can also check the virtual career fair website to see if there is a suggested dress code. 

Make sure you’re in a professional space. 

You’ll want your background to look professional and clean, just as your outfit does. Before the event, confirm that your internet connection is strong, your location is well lit, and you can access whatever program the virtual event is using. 

Communicate clearly. 

It’s important to display both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Smiling and looking directly at the camera is important. If you’re asking questions (or responding to them) keep it brief and avoid rambling. 

Some virtual events may incorporate a chat functionality. If that’s the case, check for typos and spelling errors before hitting send, and avoid textspeak. 

Follow up afterward. 

At some virtual career fairs, you’ll interview with employers or have a chance to meet with them one-on-one. If that’s the case, you’ll definitely want to send a thank-you note. You can also connect with people on LinkedIn. 

Even if you did not have direct interactions with representatives or hiring managers from companies, you can still follow up. You can send a note to say you enjoyed a panel conversation. Or you can push it a step further and say you’re interested in interviewing at a company and inquire about the next steps. 

Key Takeaways 

• Prepare before a virtual career fair by registering in advance, setting aside an interview outfit, testing your technology, and generally getting ready as you would for an in-person event. 
• Plan to be an active participant in the virtual event. 
• Follow up afterward. 

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