Getting your first job in Canada as a newcomer is a big deal, but getting there is not easy. From looking for work to getting ready for interviews, the process can be intimidating and time-consuming. Job fairs can help you consolidate your search efforts and cut down on the amount of time it typically takes to meet with potential employers, submit your resume, and have your first interview.
In this article, we talk about the advantages of attending a job fair, how to get ready for one, and how to use job fairs effectively to get your first job in Canada and start your career.
How does a job fair work?
Multiple employers and recruiters gather at a job fair, either in person or virtually, to meet and interview candidates for open positions. Career fairs, job expos, and hiring fairs are all common names for job fairs that are held in Canadian cities.
At in-person job fairs, each company has a booth or display where they can meet a lot of candidates—sometimes hundreds—in a short amount of time—a few hours to a few days. A career fair may focus on a particular career level, skilled trade, or industry, like engineering hospitality, and tourism.
advantages of job fairs for Canadian newcomers
If you’re new to Canada, the thought of going into a room full of employers eager to interview candidates may make you both hopeful and nervous. When you first begin your job search in Canada, career fairs certainly can seem overwhelming. However, if you completely avoid them, you may miss out on opportunities to advance your career.
It’s a common misconception among newcomers that job fairs are only useful for entry-level positions. However, this is not always the case. Industry-specific job fairs can be beneficial to professionals even in their mid-career. In addition, there are several additional advantages to attending Canadian job fairs, including:
Meet several companies that are hiring right now
The rare opportunity to meet multiple employers in one location who are all eager to hire is provided by job fairs. Through one-on-one conversations with recruiters, you can learn about open positions at various businesses as well as their work cultures, compensation, and values in one day.
Find out more about your sector
You might not be aware of how your industry operates in Canada because you are just starting in the country. A vocation exhibition is an ideal chance to dive deeper into your industry, for example, potential professional ways, the most recent patterns, developments, regular employing rehearses, most wanted capabilities, and valuable open doors for upskilling, and that’s just the beginning. With this information, you can tailor your resume and better prepare for your job search.
Meet professionals and recruiters
Due to their lack of professional connections, newcomers frequently face disadvantages in the Canadian job market. When it comes to securing employment, your network has the potential to open doors for you.
Even though you can build your network online in several ways, meeting in person is often the best way to make a good first impression and keep in touch. Even if the job fair is online, you can meet a lot of recruiters and professionals in your desired field in a short amount of time. This makes it much easier to stay in touch later via LinkedIn.
Interviews are done on the spot
Time is of the essence when looking for your first job as a newcomer. After applying to tens or hundreds of jobs, it can be frustrating to wait weeks or even months for an interview call. On-the-spot interviews are common at a job fair to fill urgent positions, allowing you to get closer to a job offer in a shorter amount of time.
On-the-spot interviews are typically just the screening round and are typically shorter because recruiters are attempting to interview multiple candidates in a single day. Because recruiters may be just as eager to impress you as you are to impress them in a relatively casual setting, these job interviews frequently have the potential to feel less stressful.
Get rid of the ATS screening
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by many Canadian employers to sort through resumes and eliminate those that don’t meet a certain set of requirements. Creating a perfect Canadian-style resume is one of the most common obstacles newcomers face when looking for work.
On the other hand, if you go to a job fair and meet a hiring manager, you can make a good first impression without having to worry about your resume being scrutinized by the ATS software filters that are common in the Canadian job market.
Make your interview preparation easier
To increase your chances of getting the job, you should spend a lot of time researching and practicing your responses before an interview. Some of the repetition that comes with interview preparation work can be avoided at a job fair. The amount of preparation required is the same whether you have one or five on-the-spot interviews. You can make a resume, a set of interview questions, and a common elevator pitch.
Naturally, you can personalize your resume (or send in a customized version later) and elevator pitch at the last minute with information specific to the company to stand out. Keep in mind how much time and effort it will save you to travel and get dressed for one event instead of multiple times and locations for individual interviews.
Here are ten ways to make an impression at a job fair and present yourself as a strong candidate
A career fair can attract thousands to tens of thousands of people. How can you distinguish yourself from other applicants and impress hiring managers? At an event like this, it’s important to make a good first impression because you might only have a few minutes to talk to each employer before another candidate takes your place. How to present yourself as a strong candidate at a job fair, both in person and online, is the topic of this article.
- Investigate businesses
For registered attendees, many job fair organizers provide a list of participating businesses. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with the organizer to find out which companies are likely to be there, even if they don’t do so in advance.
Spend some time researching the businesses that will be at the career expo. Make a list of the ones you want to meet, the ones you would like to meet, and the ones you will visit if you have time. You won’t have to rush to meet with the employers you’re most interested in because of this. You can navigate to employers further down your priority list if you have time.
Make sure you learn as much as you can about the company’s mission, core values, and, if at all possible, open positions before deciding on a company. You’ll be able to tailor your elevator pitch and ask insightful questions with this information.
2. Make your introduction ready
It can be overwhelming to meet multiple potential employers in one day. You don’t want to suddenly become tongue-tied and unsure of what to say when meeting an employer, regardless of how nervous you are.
Create a 30- to one-minute elevator pitch before the job fair that includes all of the information you want a potential employer to know. Your elevator pitch is a succinct introduction to your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications, as well as the reasons why you are a good fit for the position. Keep in mind to prepare responses to frequently asked interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want to work here?”
Keep in mind that job fairs are also organized to encourage applicants to learn about the businesses. So, think about the questions you want to ask your potential employers to help you choose a business that might be right for you.
3. Quality rather than quantity
It can be harder to focus on employers you want to work with when you are actively looking for a job or haven’t had much success even after applying for several weeks. However, it may not necessarily help your job search if you spread yourself too thin.
Avoid the urge to squeeze in as many interviews as possible into your day. Spend quality time talking to employers on your shortlist that you are interested in working for. Keep in mind that the goal is more than just to meet recruiters; it’s also to make a lasting impression. If you decide to apply for a job at the company in the future, even if you don’t get an interview that day, the information you learn and the relationships you build will be helpful.
Write down what you learned about the role, the company culture, the name of the person you spoke with, etc. as you finish each conversation. So that you won’t mix up multiple conversations and can refer back to this information at a later time.
4. Carry two copies of your resume
Make copies of your resume and keep them in an envelope or folder that keeps them from getting creased and is easy to find in your bag. To make a good first impression, it’s best to tailor your resume to the companies you’ve chosen. Make a resume for each type of job you are interested in and bring additional copies if you have more than one. Just make sure you give the correct one to each potential employer you meet (you can tell them apart with Post-it notes or sticky notes!). Also, send a copy of your resume to employers or recruiters who are too busy to talk to you.
As a newcomer, make sure your resume follows a format that Canadian hiring managers and recruiters are accustomed to. There are three typical formats for resumes in Canada, and you should choose the one that best suits your professional situation.
5. Keep it professional
When you meet with employers, pay attention to how you move. Respect and confidence are two essential qualities. When you are being spoken to, shake hands, make eye contact, smile, and truly listen. As this can be interpreted as a lack of interest and low self-confidence, you should avoid slumping your shoulders and looking down at your feet.
When someone is speaking to you, you should not rush to the next booth because doing so may come across as disinterested or even rude. As you would in any other interview, turn off your phone’s notifications to avoid being distracted while speaking with a recruiter.
6. Dress to impress
Dressing professionally is always your best bet for a job fair because how you present yourself is important. However, keep in mind the workplace culture because how you dress can also reflect your industry knowledge. Designers of video games, for instance, are more likely to dress casually than finance professionals.
Because you’ll likely be on your feet for the entire day, make sure your shoes are comfortable. If you get wet or spill something on yourself, it’s a good idea to keep a spare outfit in your bag.
7. Request the next steps
Make sure to inquire about the best time to follow up with every employer you meet at the job fair. If business cards aren’t available at every booth, write down who you talked to and their contact information on your phone. As a newcomer, making connections in Canada is essential to opening doors for future employment opportunities, even though not every employer will have suitable job openings.
8. Prepare your computer for virtual job fairs
Before you arrive in Canada, you can get a head start on your job search by attending virtual job fairs. Test your technology before attending a virtual job fair, and turn off or snooze all electronic distractions like app notifications, text messages, and phone calls.
When entering online chats or meetings, unless you are asking or answering questions, turn off your microphone. Keep your video on so that employers can identify you when it’s time for more interviews and know who they are speaking to.
9. Get your virtual background ready
Before a virtual job fair, think about your surroundings to find out what comes up in your background. Keep in mind that the employer might see or hear things like your dog barking or family members walking by. The ideal environment is free of all distractions for both you and your employer. Inform any family members or children you live with that you will not be disturbed during the job fair. If you’re worried about background noise, wear headphones.
10. Use clear and professional language
Although job fairs may appear more casual than traditional interviews, you will still be evaluated. Spend the weeks leading up to the job fair practicing your conversational skills if you are unsure of your English (or French) language skills.
Employers should not be interrupted while they are speaking; if in doubt, rephrase their questions to ensure that you understand. Maintain a professional demeanor even when you are not at a booth or talking to a recruiter. Avoid using emojis or slang in a virtual fair, and ensure that your language is always professional. You never know when an important person might be watching you.
What should you bring to a Canada-based job fair?
If this is your first job fair in Canada, you might be unsure of what to bring to maximize your experience. To ensure a successful experience, candidates should bring the following common items with them:
Your CV says: Bring multiple copies of your resume with you. Think about making your resume specific to the jobs you want to apply for and the companies you want to work for.
Cards for business: Bring your business cards if you have any! They can be an easy way to give employers you talk to your contact information. Your name, degree or diploma, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL should be on the card.
Your collection: To evaluate your candidacy, some industries, such as engineering, advertising, and journalism, require tangible examples of your work. Bring a print or digital portfolio with examples of your best work in it.
Academic qualifications: At a job fair, you probably won’t be asked to provide your transcript, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a copy of your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report to show that your credentials are legitimate and comparable to those in Canada.
A list of the people you’ve cited: Even though most employers don’t ask for references until after the interview, you might be able to stand out from the competition by providing them right away. Additionally, this may speed up the hiring process.
Notes from your investigation: While getting ready for the gig fair, write down a couple of featured discussions about every business you intend to approach. Before speaking with each employer, bring them along for quick reference to help you make a good first impression and boost your confidence.
A phone or notepad: It may be difficult for you to remember what you learned if you talk to multiple employers in a short amount of time. Make notes on each employer’s contact information, application requirements, and follow-up steps with a paper or digital notepad. Don’t just rely on what you remember!
Profile update on LinkedIn: Make sure the LinkedIn app is installed on your phone and that your LinkedIn profile is up to date so you can ask recruiters to connect with you right away and feel comfortable sharing your profile with potential employers. Learn how to pull up your LinkedIn QR code within the app to make it easy and quick to connect with new people: When the app is open, tap the search bar and then the right-hand QR code icon!
Get new supplies: It can be exhausting to spend an entire day at a career fair, so bring some toiletries with you to use during breaks. Additionally, if you need a new outfit to boost your energy or if you accidentally spill coffee on your crisp white shirt, an additional top might come in handy.
Water: Bring a water bottle that can be refilled to keep you hydrated throughout the career fair. It can wear down your vocal cords and sap your energy to talk constantly. A small snack may also be beneficial. Keep in mind that you should be just as positive with the final employer you talk to as you were with the first one.
How to talk to employers at a Canadian job fair
If this is your first job fair in Canada, it’s normal to be nervous about approaching potential employers to promote yourself for employment. However, keep in mind that employers attending a job fair are also there to meet candidates, just as you are. They want to know about you, your best qualities, and why you would like to work for them.
Having said that, getting ready for a job fair can help you relax and feel more prepared for the event. At a job fair, here are some suggestions for how to best approach employers:
Describe yourself
When you practice your introduction, you can ensure that you present yourself in the most pertinent manner and speak professionally to each employer you meet. Your name, key skills and accomplishments, the kind of work you’re interested in, and why you’d be a great candidate should all be included in your 30- to 60-second elevator pitch.
Find out more about the open positions
If you’ve done your homework ahead of time, you should know if the companies you want to visit have open positions that fit your needs. However, if you are unable to locate this information on their website or at their booth at the job fair, inquire about the available positions. It is acceptable to inquire about future opportunities in your field if they do not currently have any positions that are relevant to your needs.
Answer common interview questions professionally
The opportunity to complete the screening interview on the spot (and avoid the ATS) is one of the main advantages of attending a job fair. As a result, you should prepare responses to potential interview questions like “Tell me a little bit about yourself” and “Why do you want to work here?” in advance. And, “What are your career objectives?”
Make insightful inquiries
You can impress an employer at a job fair by asking questions that show your interest in the company and the position, just as you would in an interview. Research each company’s mission, values, and products, as well as industry trends, before attending the job fair to come up with some insightful questions to ask each employer.
A copy of your resume is left
Ask if you can leave your resume after introducing yourself and determining that the employer is hiring for a position that interests you. Leave a copy of your resume behind even if you don’t get to talk to every employer on your shortlist. Be sure to ask the employer how you can follow up after your conversation (and remember to write it down).
Log in to LinkedIn
Make sure to inquire about the recruiter’s name, contact information, and whether you can connect with them on LinkedIn for each recruiter you speak with. Send them a personalized LinkedIn request immediately if they agree, while you are still on their mind.
Even if the recruiter does not have any open positions in your field at the moment, ask for a business card from them or you can connect with them on LinkedIn. For your long-term career success, it’s always a good idea to add a few recruiters to your network.
How to contact employers following a job fair
To get the most out of your efforts at a job fair, you must follow up with all of the employers you meet, including those you never spoke to. When you follow up with employers you talked to or even interviewed, it shows that you care about the company and are professional. It also helps you build your network in Canada, which is a bonus for newcomers.
It’s possible that you weren’t able to personally speak with all of the employers you wanted. That doesn’t mean you haven’t had a chance to get to know them. The majority of employers will appreciate a note from attendees of a job fair expressing interest in their company and regret that you were unable to meet in person. Following a job fair, here are some suggestions for following up with employers:
Obtain employer contact information
If you leave an employer booth without contact information, it is difficult to follow up. To follow up, make sure to request a business card or an email address. This is good practice for every recruiter or employer you meet at a job fair, but it is especially important for those you interview.
Concerns about the next steps?
It is best not to assume that every employer you meet wants you to contact them by phone or email. If you’ve had an interview or discussed a specific role for which you would be an ideal fit, it’s fine to specifically inquire about the best way to connect with them and even when to follow up. You might be asked to contact an HR associate or someone else who was not at the job fair. Keep this information handy for future reference by each employer.
Send an email of gratitude
Within 24 hours of your meeting with a potential employer, always send a thank you email. After an interview, many employers expect this, and those who take this extra step after a job fair will stand out from other attendees. Use your best judgment based on the conversation you had (or did not have) with the employer when writing your thank you email and follow-up note. They do not necessarily have to be sent separately.
Reaffirm your interest in the position
Reiterate in your follow-up note that you are interested in working for the business. Include one or two key takeaways from your interview or conversation, such as your qualifications for the position, the company’s values, or culture, if the role was discussed at the job fair. Make sure to talk about how these takeaways relate to why you want to work there and why you’re a good fit for the company.
Include a copy of your cover letter and resume
During a career fair, employers often meet hundreds of candidates. It can be challenging to remember every individual, and if your resume is among a stack of similar ones, it may be overlooked. Include your resume and cover letter in your follow-up email to make it easier for the employer to review your qualifications. Additionally, you will have the chance to personalize them based on the information you gained at the job fair.
As a newcomer to Canada, finding a job that fits your needs is important, so you should look into all of your options for job hunting, including job fairs. You can meet a lot of different employers in a short amount of time at job fairs, apply for on-the-spot interviews, and learn more about your industry. Before going to a job fair in Canada, do your homework so that you can get the most out of your interactions with potential employers.
