7 questions to ask at a job fair to make a good impression
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At first, you might be intimidated by the thought of attending a job fair or career fair, but they are really great opportunities for you to discover new employment opportunities. If you are wondering how best to get ready for a job fair, we have shared 6 tips to prepare for a career fair in a previous article. You will have to put a lot of thought into your preparation, from selecting the outfit you are going to wear to creating an elevator pitch to sell yourself to recruiters.
But what are you going to do after approaching different people at a networking event? Do you just introduce yourself and ask them whether they have a job for you? Or do you just engage in small talk? We know that you have a lot of doubts about what to ask during a job fair, so we prepared this list of questions to help you along.
1. Can you describe your company culture for me?
You can’t just ask this question from anyone at the job fair. There will be recruiters who don’t work on-site who attend networking events on behalf of a company. Such a recruiter won’t be able to give much insight into the company culture for you. Remember to direct the conversation to your skills by giving examples of how your skills and experiences align with their culture.
2. What will my growth opportunities be like when I work for your company?
This is a great question to ask an employer which shows that you are not simply looking to land any job. Recruiters love employees who will collaborate with them long-term. Showcasing your interest in career advancement is a great way to get noticed by the right employer.
3. What’s your favorite thing about working for the X company?
The recruiter or company representative will be able to share personal stories about their employment at the organization with you. Since they represent the employer, you might want to remind yourself that the answer could be a little bit exaggerated. Follow up their answer with more questions about the company culture and the perks of working there.
4. What’s the hiring process like if I submit a resume today?
Different employers use different methods when they hire new recruits. By asking about the hiring process, you show the recruiter that you are interested in working for them. You can also gain an idea about their hiring timeline to make an informed career decision for yourself.
5. How does this position add value to the organization?
This question helps set you apart from a dozen other candidates who just want to land any job. You are expressing your desire to be a valuable addition to the company. Recruiters prefer to hire job seekers who are dynamic and can contribute to achieving the company’s mission.
6. What specific skills and experiences do you admire in a candidate for X position?
You show the employer that you are willing to match your skills to align with their needs. You also get to know whether you have what it takes to work there. If the recruiter’s answer matches your experience and skill set, you can respond with appropriate examples to pique their interest in you.
7. What is your training and development process like for new hires?
Recruiters love candidates who show the willingness to improve themselves to serve the organization better. It also poses you as a worker who understands the value of ongoing professional development and training. This makes you stand as a valuable addition to their team.