Navigating career fairs; one question at a time

Attending career fairs is important, but it can be a little daunting to walk into one. Recruiters can spot good fit candidates for their companies, but you can also sniff out if a job is a right fit. Nobody blames you for feeling overwhelmed, so maximizing your opportunities by preparing in advance is a must. Think about how to ask the right questions for the job you want. Here are 7 questions to get you started.

What is your hiring process like for new hires?

Waiting is part of the job search process, but recruiters can give you estimates to remove some of the uncertainty so you know when you should follow up with them.

What career paths are available in your organization?

Some organizations at career fairs have several well-defined career paths while others might be more flexible. If you know you want to go into management or gain a professional qualification, this is how you can find out how well your goals align with what the company offers and whether you are a good match for them and vice versa.

What is the office culture like?

Use your best judgment on this question. If you are talking to someone from a large company, it may be better to ask this later in the hiring process. It’s a good question for small employers where the recruiter probably works in the same building and knows the people you may be working with.

Ask about their experience

The person you’re speaking with works at the company. Ask them about their experience there! You might learn something about the culture that you could never glean from a job posting or website alone.

Ask about growth and development

It’s worth asking not just about the role you’ve applied for, but about how you can learn and grow and do more down the line and let the recruiter know you’re thinking about the future and the long-term with the company.

What is the typical work week for new hires?

Workweeks at companies vary a lot. Many companies test new hires by fire to see if they can handle short deadlines and long overtime. Others might take it slowly. A heavy travel schedule can dramatically increase your work hours. You’ll make a better choice if you know more about the work culture.

How can I improve my chances of receiving a job offer?

If you think you are a good match for a company, then ask the recruiter how to maximize your chances of getting a job offer. She may advise you to apply for several positions or make changes to your resume. Don’t be disappointed if a recruiter doesn’t give you a specific action, but it’s worth asking the question to see what advice he offers.

When you’re preparing your resumes, outfit, and introduction skills for a job fair, make sure you’ve prepared some questions when the recruiter asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”. Find out what it’s like to work at the company, what the hiring process is like, and the opportunities available.