How to Navigate a Virtual Career Fair + Elevator Pitch Template [INFOGRAPHIC GIF]

Courtesy of Resume-Now | Guest Contributor | Digital Marketing

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

The shift to virtual hiring has made headlines everywhere, and recent grads and those who experienced major layoffs during the pandemic will experience a new type of hiring. From entirely virtual interviews to remote training, changing or beginning a career may never be the same. It's important to realize the differences between an in-person job fair and a virtual one. You’ll be attending an online experience with organized chat rooms, virtual booths, and on-the-spot interviews.

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Start preparing before the fair to use your time efficiently during the event and make a great first impression. Your preparation should include:

• Registration: Apply often, and apply early. When submitting your registration, review carefully. Requirements for the event will vary. 
• Employer Research: Know quick facts about the companies you’re interested in. Bonus points for requesting the rep on LinkedIn.
• Modifying Your Resume: Fine-tune your resume to highlight skills that you’re trying to get hired with. 
• Applications: Completing the application for the position you’re interested in before you meet with the recruiter will make you stand out from the sea of applicants. 
• Creating a Schedule: By maintaining a scheduled time to speak with each representative you’ll be able to maximize your time and make the best of the event.
• Rehearsing the Pitch: As your first impression, your elevator pitch can make or break the opportunity. Work through a unique pitch for each company you’ll be speaking with, highlighting the value proposition. 
• Create a Reliable Environment: Check your internet connection, make sure that your room is tidy or your background is a wall with tasteful art or decor. Last but not least, check your video and make sure the camera doesn’t have your new fern growing out of the side of your head.

Be bold with your asks when talking to company representatives and have your follow-ups ready. During the online career fair consider this: 

• Awareness of Others: You might not have the spotlight with every company, but take that as a learning opportunity to get a leg up on your competition by understanding your peer’s way of thinking.
• Focus on Next Steps: You want to be memorable, and so does everyone else. Make sure you ask for the next steps in the interview process. Collect their contact information, and make sure to give your own. 

You nailed your pitch, you were groomed to perfection, and you got solid leads with your questions about the next steps. Although most of the legwork is done, there’s still an important final step to complete after the virtual job fair. Following up with the recruiters you met is one of the best job-seeking tools. Re-introduce yourself, and try and remember a personalized connection that you talked about. Send an email with the template below and watch the offers come flooding in. 

Hi [recruiter name], 

I’m [name] and I’m a [major/profession] with an interest in [interest]. I have gained experience in [experience] while [job/interneship/project]. I’m very interested in bringing my [specific skills] to [company]. Could you please tell me more about [specific opportunity]?

​Looking forward to speaking soon!

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