SWE’s Virtual Career Fair is just around the corner, and you’re not going to want to miss it! The event takes place Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT, and it gives you the opportunity to network with potential employers and learn about open positions without even leaving your home! The Virtual Career Fair is open to members and non-members with three years’ plus work experience.
Virtual career fairs have been growing in popularity as both employers and job seekers find them valuable. Employers can showcase their company with minimal investment and job seekers can explore open opportunities at companies across the globe in just a few hours’ time. At SWE’s virtual career fair, attendees will connect with as many as 20 recruiters for first-round interviews and networking. 95 percent of last year’s virtual career fair participants found the event valuable, saying they were likely to recommend the event to a friend or colleague.
Virtual career fairs may be hassle-free and easy to attend, but participants must remember that first impressions are everything! Here are a few tips as you head into next week’s virtual career fair:
1. Do Your Research
Get to know the companies who will be participating before the career fair starts. Do some research and determine which ones would be a good match for your skill set. Make a list so you’re organized when the career fair starts and to ensure you get to speak to your favorite companies first. You can view employers who will be participating here.
2. Get Your Job Seeking Materials Up-to-Date
You’ll want to have your most updated resume on hand and ready to be sent to employers during the career fair. If you haven’t already, you may want to create a website detailing your experience and showcasing recent samples of work.
3. Check Your Social Presence
Before the career fair starts, make sure your social presence is on point. Your online presence will be the first impression you make to employers. Make sure your social media properties are an accurate and professional portrayal of yourself. In the days and weeks leading up to the conference, it is a good idea to share content relevant to your career and your industry to demonstrate that you are on-trend and engaged. Following employers who will be at the virtual conference may be beneficial as well.
4. Check Your Technology
Test out the Internet connection ahead of time in the location where you plan to participate in the virtual conference. Make sure your laptop or computer is fully charged or plugged in to avoid sudden shut downs. If possible, have a back-up computer nearby in case of emergency! You don’t want to miss a meeting with a recruiter because of a computer crash!
5. Portray Virtual Professionalism
You may not be seen or heard throughout the conference, but there’s always the chance that you’ll be asked to do a video/Skype chat! Make sure you are prepared by looking presentable and positioning your webcam in a clean space. Just because it’s a virtual conference doesn’t mean you should participate in pajamas!
6. Take Notes
The virtual conference ends at 4 p.m. EDT, but that doesn’t mean you’re done! You’ll want to follow-up with those you’ve made connections with and continue to network, so take copious notes!
The SWE Virtual Conference is your opportunity to get your foot in the door without having to go anywhere. Continue to interact after the conference and don’t forget to combine this experience with other on-site job fairs and networking events!
Now you’re ready to register for the SWE Virtual Career Fair.
