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Virtual Career & Networking Event Tips

Networking

Introduction

As we all know, networking is essential to your professional success. Unfortunately with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become more difficult to meet new people and make valuable connections. LinkedIn is the best way to network professionally whether you are job hunting, searching for potential employees, or simply connecting with colleagues.

 

Check out our article on How To Get Maximum Traction From Your LinkedIn Profile. In addition to LinkedIn, there has been a rise in virtual job fairs to discover new opportunities. Below you will find the top tips for virtual networking at career fairs in 2022.

Tips for Job Seekers & Employers

1. Come Prepared

Although this event is a casual networking event, it is crucial to do your research beforehand. As a job seeker, research companies that are attending and have an updated resume with your experience. Check out our valued partner, AMVETS’ Resume, Cover Letters & Interview Tips page.

 

As an employer, have the job descriptions prepared for each position. Consider attending the event with multiple recruiters from your company to be able to reach out to more people. Each recruiter can have their own space based on geography, skill set or by position you are looking to fill.

2. Put Your Best Foot Forward

This is the time to market yourself and show up as the best version of yourself. Remember to dress for success by wearing something that makes you feel good and looks professional as well. Since this is a virtual event, make sure your camera is of good quality, that you have enough lighting in your space and a presentable background.

 

During the event, be flexible. If the company you want to speak with has a full table, join another table as you will have time to go back. Keep an open mind by speaking to as many people as possible to maximize networking opportunities. Visit every booth to explore every job opportunity. Since there is little time and lots of people to speak with, job seekers should be able to describe skill sets in 20 seconds. It helps to figure out what type of job you are looking for and know how to translate your military experience to the position.

3. Be Upfront with Expectations

There is a cliche saying, “it’s not what you know but who you know.”  Although your knowledge and skills are important, your network of personal contacts will avail as well. In this case, it’s not who you interview with, it’s who you know. It will benefit you to speak to people at the company you want to work at. At these virtual career fairs, take advantage of this opportunity to grow your network!

 

It is important that job seekers are upfront with their strengths and weaknesses. While recruiters should be upfront with the details of the position. Will you as the recruiter require relocation, offer reimbursable relocation expenses, cover travel expenses, etc.? It is crucial that you understand and know why you care about hiring veterans.

4. Have a Follow-Up Plan

The event itself is advantageous for your personal and professional growth. However, the key to finding success at the virtual career fair is to have an action plan while the person you are networking with is speaking with you. Job seekers should make their resume and personal contact information such as their phone number or email address accessible in the chat. Be easy to contact by directing people to your military hire profile. If you have not already, we encourage you to register on MilitaryHire so employers can find you.

 

Recruiters should have a plan for how candidates can officially apply for the position immediately. Or if an ideal candidate is found, the next steps in the onboarding process should be available. Find a way to connect with those you spoke with whether it is sharing your resume, email, social media such as your LinkedIn profile, etc. After the event, follow up with the candidates you spoke with by directing them to the company website and explaining why they should work with you.

5. Register in Time

Register early to ensure you will have a spot secured! Companies such as FedEx Ground, Walgreens, Cennox, Gordy’s, Comso, Renaissance, Steel Warehouse, Williams-Senoma, Acloche’, IES Communications, Florida Department of Corrections, and many others attend often as they find so much success at these virtual job fairs. Registering in time also provides you ample time to make sure you can access the platform and have everything ready instead of the day of the event. 

 

We are excited for our next MilitaryHire Virtual Job Fair & Networking event on March 10th, 2022! Use this link to register and secure your spot.

Conclusion

We hope these tips were helpful and we look forward to connecting with you at our events. If you are interested in attending a networking event, MilitaryHire.com hosts virtual careers often for job seekers and recruiters. Highly valued and trusted companies attend to find talent as well as highly skilled veterans ready for a new position. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities check out our website for more information and resources!