Successful Job Hunting: Tips for Visiting Job and Apprenticeship Fairs

Spring is trade fair season: career fairs, training fairs, regional sales fairs – companies present themselves everywhere and offer applicants the chance to make personal contact. The SYNERGIE team is present at around 20 trade fairs in southern Germany every year – and has compiled valuable tips for a successful trade fair visit for you as an applicant.

To make a choice
With the exhibitor list already available beforehand, you should think about your desired companies in advance to make a selection of which companies you want to get in touch with. Allow sufficient time for the discussions and, together with any lectures that may be taking place, plan a rough daily schedule. You should always include buffer times so that you also have time for spontaneous conversations and breaks.
SYNERGIE HR Manager Michael Haitz recommends: „Don't visit your dream employer straight away. Instead, gain some experience first and warm up a bit. This will make the important conversation much easier for you.“

To be interested in the topic
Beforehand, familiarise yourself with the company and its strengths. Is there anything you are particularly good at that is required by your desired employer? Is there anything that particularly appeals to you about the industry? What skills are important for your desired profession?

Planned in advance
If you want to play it safe, you can also arrange appointments with the companies in advance. Social media channels like XING or Facebook are suitable for making contact. However, the classic approach of contacting them by telephone via the company headquarters will also give you information on how best to arrange appointments with company representatives. Please bear in mind, however, that you must be punctual when arranging an appointment.

Prepare the documents
Your luggage should, of course, include up-to-date application documents. If you plan to visit multiple companies, you should also have a folder ready for each. For fairs, you are welcome to create short applications instead of full application portfolios. These will only contain a brief cover letter and a CV. You can particularly distinguish yourself by also adapting and personalising the brief cover letters to the companies. When handing them out, however, be careful to give out the correct version.

Another way to adapt your application documents for a trade fair is by creating so-called application flyers. You can print an A4 sheet in landscape format on both sides and either fold it once to create a 4-page flyer, or even fold it three times in a zig-zag pattern to create a 6-page flyer. You can find many more ideas for this online.

Choosing the clothes
Your clothing contributes significantly to the first impression you make. It's best to wear a dark suit or, for women, a dark suit as well. Women, in particular, should be careful not to show too much skin. Under no circumstances should you wear miniskirts or low-cut tops. Generally, it's better to appear slightly too chic than too casual.

Tip: Bring deodorant, gel, a comb, make-up etc. with you to freshen up your appearance during the event. Plasters (for blisters) and chewing gum or sweets are also advisable.

Get in touch
Be bold! The companies are looking forward to you contacting them – that's why they are at the trade fair. Introduce yourself politely to the staff at the exhibition stand, ask for your contact person, and explain your request. Be polite and respectful to everyone involved at all times (including when saying goodbye), and you will have already made the best first impression.

„Definitely jot down the name of the person you spoke to at the stand, and any other contacts if applicable,“ advises our Marketing Manager, Carola Schneider. „This makes it easier to follow up after the trade fair and you can refer directly to the conversation you had with the team at the stand.“

Absolutely avoid
Don't pretend, but stay authentic and be yourself. Not only should companies get a genuine impression of you, but you should also find what's right for you. Those who act and pretend to be something they are not will not find the right job (in the long term).

Don't forget the follow-up contact.
Stay in touch after the trade fair too. For example, thank them for the informative conversation via email and reaffirm your interest in employment with the company. Maintain contacts, even if you don't want the job, because no one knows what the future holds and whether one contact or another might become interesting for you again. Platforms like XING or LinkedIn are very helpful for this. „Liking“ the company page on Facebook also underlines your interest and keeps you informed about current events.

And the best tip to finish.
If you like comfort, then simply contact us at SYNERGIE Personal Deutschland. Because we'll gladly take on the „scouring“ of companies and the selection of various opportunities for you. We'll find your dream job!