If you are looking for a job or considering a career change, you may be contemplating attending a job exposition.
Bruce Mendelsohn, a public relations practitioner in Massachusetts, said that job fairs are a chance to try something new even though the events can be physically grueling and time-consuming.
“As an underemployed marketing and communications consultant seeking a full-time role, I have yet earned an interview nor received an offer from attending a job fair,” Mendelsohn said. "But that's not why I go."
“In my experience, going to in-person career fairs helps me practice and hone my ‘elevator pitch,’” he said. “Also, they sharpen my informal interviewing skills, builds awareness of my 'personal brand' and lets me introduce myself to organizational gatekeepers.”
For some job-seekers, attending repeated career fairs can be frustrating.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Donald Anderson has been between jobs for the past 11 months. He said his experiences at job fairs haven’t always been fulfilling.
“For me, job fairs are not worth the effort,” he said. “They’re not truly rewarding unless the companies present, are scheduling you for a follow-on interview which for me haven't been the case most of the time.”
Anderson added job fair representatives weren’t helpful with his search.
“I’ve noticed that at career fairs, the companies participating seem to be represented by employees who didn’t know the company's mission or strategic priorities,” he said. “Many times, the spokespersons just don't have an idea about the jobs they are trying to fill. This is infuriating when job-seekers come with specific questions. Also, they’ll give you a rehearsed statement, like, 'oh, apply online or go to our website for more information about employment.'"
Despite all of that, Anderson doesn't let situations influence his outlook for obtaining future employment.
“Although I haven’t found much success at job fairs, I’m not going to let it get me down,” Anderson said. “Every time I go, I will be motivated, dress professionally and exude a positive attitude. And that’s the best anyone can do while looking for a job.”
Even college students give career fairs mixed reviews.
Bill Faulkner, a finance major at a university in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area, said that, on the surface, job fairs are good opportunities, but fall short on expectations.