Attending a Veteran Job Fair in Atlanta

There's an upcoming job fair in Atlanta specifically for military veterans that I want to attend. Has anyone been to one of these? What should I prepare to make the most of this opportunity?

Attendee of similar career events chiming in! Firstly, it's fantastic that you're considering attending this job fair specifically catered to military veterans. There should be employers there who specifically value the skills and experiences veterans can bring to their organizations.

Here are a few suggestions on how to prepare:

1. Research the attending employers: Obtain a list of employers attending the job fair, if possible. Conducting research beforehand helps you understand more about the businesses participating, their mission, open positions, and work culture. You can then target your visit to those employers that interest you.

2. Update your resume: A job fair is a fantastic opportunity to hand out your resume to prospective employers, so you'll want to make sure it's up-to-date. Highlight the skills and experiences you gained from your military service that are transferable to the private sector. For instance, leadership skills, team collaboration, and crisis management are some areas that employers highly value.

3. Prepare a compelling elevator pitch: Prepare a short 30 to 60 seconds self-introduction or "elevator pitch" that highlights your skills, experiences, and long-term career goals. This will not only help you introduce yourself effectively but it will also help you stand out.

4. Dress appropriately: Treat the job fair like a job interview. Dress professionally to create a positive first impression.

5. Practice common interview questions: Even though formal interviews don't typically happen during job fairs, some employers might ask you impromptu interview questions right at their booths. Practice answering common interview questions so you can respond confidently on the day.

6. Prepare questions to ask employers: Lastly, prepare a couple of questions to ask employers. This demonstrates your interest in their company and helps you gather valuable information about potential job opportunities.

Remember, this is a great networking opportunity. Even if a company doesn't have current openings, making a good connection could help you be considered for future roles. Good luck!