Virtual Career Fair - Tips For Jobseekers
It can be overwhelming if you’ve never participated in GAIN Power Virtual Career Fair. Please make the best of this event.
These events are great ways to connect efficiently with some of our progressive employers and showcase your skills and experience. We hope these connections may lead to new career opportunities for you. These events are also great networking opportunities. While you may not be hired on the spot - you can and should make some great connections. Some of which can last a lifetime.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience: By following these tips, you can make a strong impression on the employer representatives and increase your chances of landing an impactful new job. Good luck!
Before:
Get organized in advance.
Research the organizations. Don't waste your time with employers you know you wouldn't work for but also don't rule out organizations you aren't familiar with.
List and links to employers registered for the 3/39/23 virtual career fair.
Employer Web Link Jobs Link:
Donor Development Strategies Careers – Donor Development Strategies
NARAL Pro-Choice America Join Our Team - NARAL Pro-Choice America
The Voter Participation Center Work at VPC - Voter Participation Center
Cheatsheet for you - with employer links (make your own copy)
Practice your elevator pitch and be prepared to talk about your strengths and experiences.
Know your worth. Don't be afraid to answer how much you need to make if asked.
Do some research into the employer before the interview. Have questions ready about the organization's mission, values and goals, current projects and challenges, and any other topics relevant to their roles.
Make sure you have at least one question for each employer that is unique to them, such as questions about their experience with a particular technology, what sets them apart from competitors in their field, or any new initiatives they are undertaking. This will show employers that you understand their specific needs and have researched their operations.
Prioritize asking questions that are important to your potential role in order to make sure it is the right fit for you. Ask questions about the team size, the day-to-day responsibilities of the job, salary expectations, performance reviews and career development opportunities. Let them know where you are and what type of role you seek.
Focus on your passions. We hope you’re at this event because you're passionate about politics, policy, and making a difference, but so is everyone else. Be specific. What are your passions? Abortion rights? Gun control? Climate Change? Health care? Workers Rights? Electing Democrats?
Focus on your skills and how you want to apply them. Have you done policy research? Community organizing? Fundraising? Communications? Tell the employer why you would excel in their positions and how your experience helps you stand out.
Be prepared to discuss what motivated you to pursue a job with their organization. What about this opportunity made you want to apply in the first place? Showing
Write down and be prepared 3 points about your skills and experience.
During:
You only have one chance in life to make a first impression.
Make it awesome!
Seriously, don’t forget to start with a smile - it makes a difference!
Body language matters - and can say as much as any words. Be mindful and always try to smile.
It is important to prepare a quick introduction.
Open by stating your name - and how you want to be called if it differs from the name on your resume and profile - say it clearly so the employers know how to say it.
Adding preferred pronouns is more than appropriate and helps employers know how to refer to you how you want.
Dress for success. No one cares if you wear pants - but look good from the waist up - or at least the screen view. Try not to have too many distractions around you.
After:
Please do thank any/all employers for being part of the event.
Follow up with any companies you are interested in after the fair to express your continued interest and thank them for their time.
If you didn’t meet employers because you or they ran out of time - thank them anyway and follow up to say sorry you missed them. You can leave a note in their booth or send a follow-up email after.
Our Virtual Career Fairs Are Hosted on Brazen
Brazen is a cutting-edge virtual event platform that allows companies to connect with qualified job seekers. It is a platform that makes the event efficient for employers and job seekers, but there is a lot you can do to ensure the event is especially successful for you. Brazen has a lot of videos and support on its site that show how to use its platform best.