Get Ready! Preparing for and Attending a Virtual Career Fair

If you are searching for work, you may find that the job hunt is less about hitting the pavement and more about typing on the keyboard. Applications have gone digital, recruiters find you through online networking sites like LinkedIn and career fairs have become virtual gatherings.

Career fairs are a great chance to put a face to a resume. They allow you to learn more about employers, meet with recruiters and even have on-the-spot interviews for immediate openings. Virtual career fairs are similar to traditional career fairs, but without having to travel.

The etiquette for attending a virtual career fair is not new, and we cover some of the basics in Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair. But, getting noticed during online interactions can feel different than connecting with someone in person. Here's how to ensure you make most of an upcoming fair and improve the interactions you have while attending.

Before Attending

Research the companies that will be there. Take time to learn about possible future employers, the positions they have open and write down any questions you may have for the recruiter. If there are specific positions you're interested in, think about how your personal and professional skills can be applied to the job.

Test your technology. Decide where you're going to attend the career fair and set up the space as early as possible. Test your internet connection and make sure your webcam and microphone are in working order. This will reduce the chances that something goes wrong the day of the fair.

Prepare your reference material. If possible, print your resume and gather all the questions you have for attending recruiters. Put them all in one place so you can reference them throughout the fair as you meet with different people. Having all your notes in one place, will help you feel prepared and ready to answer any questions that may be asked of you. Also, make sure you have your resume and list of references available electronically in case you need to upload them during the fair.

During the Fair

Attend in a professional environment. The benefits of virtual career fairs mean that you can attend anywhere with the proper equipment; but just because you can doesn't mean you should. Make sure you're in a comfortable, quiet and distraction-free environment.

Put yourself out there. Career fairs require you to take the first step in connecting with recruiters. And, meeting so many new people online at one time can feel overwhelming. Focus on reaching out to the employers you've previously researched and take it one interaction at a time.

After the Fair

Follow up with new connections. Once the fair is over, wait a few days and reconnect with the recruiters you met. Find them on LinkedIn, send a thank-you email, or check in on the status of an interview you completed. By reaching out a second time, you reinforce your introduction and show that you're serious about working for their organization.

Virtual career fairs are a great way to see who's hiring in your area, or across the globe and meet new people. Use these tips to stand out in the crowd and land your next great opportunity.

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page may also help you as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider who can offer you personalized assistance. The Find a Job webpage includes a chart that you can use to compare the features that various organizations provide, such as job boards, resume services and social networking opportunities. Some organizations also offer an employer directory and access to recruiters.

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

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