How to naturally navigate a conversation with employers during career fair?

Genevieve's advice is spot-on. The only thing I would add to that is to be cognizant of the recruiter's time. If there are people waiting to speak to the recruiter, limit yourself to two or three questions that are most important to you. You can exit by saying something like, "I see there are several people who want to talk to you so I'll come back in a little while when you are less busy to ask a few more questions". If you say something like this, be sure to follow up on that promise! Good luck.

When it comes to speaking with recruiters, or anyone in a professional setting, practice makes perfect! The first step is getting yourself out there. Good job on making that first step! Even if this time around you felt disappointed, the good news is there will always be another career fair.

Try to think of the recruiters as people you'd like to get to know. Instead of focusing on asking questions about the company, try starting off with questions about their own experience. For example - "How long have you been working for {name of company}?" "What brought you to this company?" "What were you doing before that?" "What do you like the most about working here?" "What was the hiring process like for your position?" "How would you describe the work culture?" If they haven't mentioned what their position is, "What do you do at {name of company}?" Don't worry if the conversation ends up going a little off topic. This can actually be a good sign. It means you and the recruiter are connecting on a personal level. This can help you to be a more memorable candidate when it's time to apply.

After getting to know the recruiter a little more, you can then move into more general questions about the company (how big is their ___ department, what skills and characteristics do they look for in a candidate, etc.) as well as mention what you know about the company/why you're interested in them.

Another thing you should do is make time to stop by your career services office. They can offer you tips on how to approach employers at career fairs or even offer to do mock interviews to help you prep for the fair.

Hello Esther,

Great question indeed! Your question reminds me of a similar question put across by an HR professional (student) while teaching 'Job Fair' in an weekend class. The question was : how to attract and spot a genuine talent befitting the requirement while organising/participating in a 'Job Fair' among numerous job seekers or visitors (passive job seekers)? Of course, this is the perspective from the other side.

Now the answer: One has to remember that both the parties (companies putting up stall/kiosk) and the visitors(active/passive job seekers) are in need to "Sell". While companies need to be well prepared to attract the talents, engage the visitors meaningfully, answer the queries to the satisfaction courteously and keep a addresses/telephone numbers through Resume/CV, specially to connect later for a one to one or second level of interaction. On the other hand, as a candidate/job seeker (active/passive), you also need to prepare before entering a job fair . Some of the actions that one must take:

1. Carry out research about the company(ies) that are your in your focus/target as much as possible. May be you try to connect with them over a phone and fix a schedule during the Fair so that you are given a better audience.
2. Keep all your questions ready and put it across decently, it should not appear as if you are taking their interview. You may take spot decision as well as post event judgement as to what is to be done.
3. If you are able to communicate well naturally like a story teller, I am sure you would click provided that other end is equally receptive and patient.
4. Try to get an invitation from their end for a second round but don't solicit unduly but seek it intelligently. You may ask : Sir/madam, what do you intend to do with our Resume/communication details that you have asked/taken in future course? In case, they answer in affirmative, ask for a likely time frame.

Here is a catch: To be overtly vocal, too much of invasive questions can reduce your chances of getting a call. So you have to have a natural instinct to judge the moment for exploitation and equally smart to put it across politely. If you yourself navigate naturally during the discussion with the employers, more often than NOT you carry the day naturally. All the very Best!

When you find out about the career fair, do research on the employers. Most of the time they will be posted or their might a telephone number you can call.
Investigating the company can make you feel more at ease when talking to the representatives. It would be wise to have questions written down.
You have to keep your focus, because everything is very fast pace. A check list can be helpful.