Successful at the Job Fair

Whether you are a newcomer in your profession, are reorienting your career, or perhaps you wish to switch companies - the amount of information at job fairs is extensive and networking is simple. Anyone who is interested can sit down for an interview with a company without any prior appointment. If you would like to apply for a job, this is immediately possible at the job fair and you can hand over your application and paperwork directly to the individual company representative.
The SinoJobs Career Days - as the largest China-related job fair, it offers perfect networking for Chinese candidates in particular.

Good preparation is everything!
The following points are crucial for creating a positive impression and ending your visit to the job fair as well-informed as possible:

• First, it is significant that you clearly stick out from the other candidates. Oftentimes it is helpful to prepare for conversations with the various companies. If you have been able to compile sufficient information about the companies and are then able to ask specific questions regarding the profession and career chances, you show competence. However, if you are walking around with no orientation, you will not have a very good hand when applying. Questions like, "What kind of positions can you offer me?" are not recommended.

• Because of the multitude of existing companies and career opportunities in various industries and economic sectors, it is highly recommended that you write up a bullet-point overview so that you do not lose focus. First you should select the companies that you would like to contact, or not contact. When you can learn more details about the chances of acceptance and advancement, for example, it will be easy for you to decide whether this company is for you. In addition, it is important that you phrase the questions in such a way that you would like to ask them to the individual companies. This shows interest and solid knowledge - especially if you can prove this during a discussion and can provide detailed information about the company during the conversation.

• Of course, part of the preparation is choosing the suitable attire so that you can properly sell yourself. If you are a man wear a suit, a woman's suit if you are a woman, even if you simply want to go to the job fair to get some information. You never know what to expect, and which doors may open. If you are showing up with a companion it is important that only you yourself approach the company representative and address them. This shows independence. So, it's best if you leave your parents at home.

•   Furthermore, you should compile an image of the current industrial and economic sectors, as well as individual companies. You should be informed of the program schedules and durations, and have accommodations reserved so that there will not be any problems throughout. In some instances it is possible that new information about career opportunities will be revealed that you did not previously learn from the program schedule alone.

•    Open individuals who approach company representatives of their own initiative have excellent prospects for success. Be self-assured and kind, actively take part in the discussion, and - above all - prepare your questions well. This shows the representative that you have researched your information and are very interested both in the company as well as the job.


During and after the fair
If you would like to hand in an application after a discussion with a company representative, then you have the following options:

•    Your application paperwork can be handed off directly at the booth. Short applications are also accepted - these may be flyers or a three-page summary containing a succinct cover letter, CV, and a photo of the applicant to serve as a way to remember you. You can ask the respective personnel manager what type of application the individual companies prefer at the job fair. Also write down the name of your interviewer or take a business card.

•    After the visit to the fair you still have follow-up work. New connections and contacts can be allocated into a system so that you have direct access to them at a later time. If the agreement has been made, then send your contact partner your application papers and speak with them over the phone to ensure that you have not inadvertently been forgotten, if necessary. Do not pester the recruiter, but follow up with them - perhaps after two weeks or so - to emphasise that you are interested in the position.

You can also use the additional information directly available on the SinoJobs Career Days website:

SinoJobs Career Days in Düsseldorf
www.sinojobs-careerdays.com/en/dusseldorf.html

SinoJobs Career Days in Munich
www.sinojobs-careerdays.com/en/munich.html

List of exhibitors
www.sinojobs-careerdays.com/en/exhibitor-list.html