How to Get the Most Out of a Job Fair

Plan before a job fair, choose booths, talk to HR in one minute and follow up afterwards, so a day of walking turns into real interviews.

There is a big job fair at a downtown mall this Saturday and you plan to go early. Last time you walked around for three hours, came home with two tote bags and a stack of brochures, and no company called back. The problem is not job fairs. It is going without a plan. Used well, they are worth it, because they are one of the few chances to talk to real HR people face to face.

What a job fair gives you that online applications cannot

• A real conversation: HR remembers faces and conversations, which a resume in a pile cannot do
• Information not in the ad: such as which team is growing and which role is urgent
• Some companies run first interviews on site: if you are prepared, you may get your first round right there

Before the day: plan it like work

Check the company list

Most organisers publish the exhibitor list and floor plan in advance. Pick about 5 to 8 target companies, split into group A, the ones you want most, and group B, your second choices.

Research each company

Read their websites and check open roles on the job listings. Note which roles each one is hiring for and which fit you.

Get your resume ready

Print about 15 to 20 copies and keep them in a folder so they do not crease. If you are interested in more than one field, make separate versions, for example marketing and sales. Also prepare a QR code linking to your online resume or profile. Check your resume before printing with Resume Lab.

On the day: a one-minute introduction

Booth staff talk to many people a day. A short, clear introduction makes you memorable. Use this structure:

1. Name and status: “Hi, I am ..., I studied ..., and I have worked in ... for two years.”
2. Interest: “I saw you are hiring for ..., which matches what I do now.”
3. Brief evidence: “Recently I ran a ... campaign that helped grow sign-ups.”
4. Question: “What kind of person is this team especially looking for?”

Do not ask “What does your company do?” That is something you should know before you walk up to the booth.

Good questions to ask

• What is the selection process for this role, and how long does it take?
• What do people who succeed in this team have in common?
• If I want to send a further application, where or to whom should I send it?

Collect contact details

Ask for a business card or the name of the person you spoke to. As soon as you leave the booth, jot down what you discussed, which role, and anything agreed, because after five booths you will not remember.

If a company wants to interview you on the spot

Some booths have a corner for first interviews. If you are invited, do not say no because you feel unprepared. Questions in this round are usually basic: introduce yourself, why you are interested, and when you can start. Keep answers short, then ask what the next step is and when you will hear back.

What to avoid

• Handing resumes to every booth without talking. Five real conversations work better
• Going in a big group and visiting booths together. HR will not remember anyone
• Dressing too casually. You do not need a suit, but dress as for a first-round interview
• Asking about salary as your first question

After the fair: where most people slip

Within one or two days, send a short email to the HR person you spoke with. For example:

Subject: Thank you for our chat at Saturday’s job fair, Marketing Executive role

Dear Khun ..., I am ..., and we spoke at your booth on Saturday about online campaigns. Thank you for the information about your growing team. I have attached my resume and am very interested in this role. I would be glad to take part in any next steps.

Mention one real thing you talked about and HR will remember you immediately.

How to get started

1. Check the exhibitor list and choose 5 to 8 targets
2. Find each company’s open roles and prepare resumes by field
3. Practise your one-minute introduction until it flows
4. On the day, take notes after each booth
5. Send thank-you emails within two days and follow up if it is quiet for more than a week

Read how to follow up without being pushy in How to Follow Up on a Job Application Without Being Pushy, and if you are a recent graduate, see A Networking Guide for Fresh Graduates.