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So do you go, or is the prospect simply beneath you? Quite a few executives go to career fairs, but not for the typical reasons. Let's consider some of the very good reasons that going to a job fair could be a good move for an executive.
Networking
Unlike the main reason that entry-level job seekers attend job fairs (to walk away with an interview), at the executive level, you want to attend the job fair for networking opportunities. Job fairs offer an immense opportunity to speak with the higher-ups, hiring managers, and other important people from a large selection of companies.
Of course, you can go to other networking functions to get the job done, like social events or board meetings. However, the great thing about attending a career fair is that you get to meet company representatives while they're actually representing the company – not themselves. They're excited about speaking with you regarding their job and their company, and they'll have business cards and other materials ready.
Improving Your Interviewing Skills
On some occasions, you will find that representatives from companies will be ready and willing to interview potential candidates right on the spot. These can be great opportunities to better refine your interviewing technique. Again, you may not be looking for the job right on the spot, but you want any chance you can take to get better at the gift of gab.
Even if you don't run across interviewing opportunities at the job fair, you can still utilize your “elevator speech” during this time. The term refers to a very brief explanation of your qualifications, your achievements, and why you'd be a good hire, packed into the time you might spend with a stranger in an elevator. Using an elevator speech can be more effective than business cards and other methods, and can really make a huge personal impression at a job fair.
See If You Can Gain a Speaking Spot
One way that you can benefit from the job fair at the executive level is to speak at it instead of simply showing up as a job seeker. While you can still get many of the same goals accomplished, you can provide valuable information about your industry at the same time. And you will have people chasing you down to speak with you afterward, instead of vice versa.
It may not have crossed your mind to visit a job fair at this stage in the game, but it's definitely not a bad idea to consider it. You have a decent chance of getting some great contacts and opportunities. Ultimately, the opportunities from the job fair might be endless.