News :How to Get the Most Out of a Trade Show

Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Attending a trade show is a little like a first date. You want to make a good impression and you want to leave them wanting more. Appearance, demeanor and professionalism count. Although you may only visit with a healthcare staffing representative for a few minutes at a trade show, that’s long enough to make that all- important first impression. Proper preparation will ensure that the impression you make is a good one.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 16% to 18% of all job seekers find employment at trade shows and job fairs, according to information posted on Monster.com. Most trade show representatives have the authority to send your resume on to the next level.

“The reality is that your formal interview begins the moment that person behind the booth lays eyes on you,” writes Marky Stein on Monster.com. Stein points to a study of 400 hiring mangers conducted by the San Jose Mercury News that concluded “the average employer makes a hiring decision within 15 seconds of meeting you.”

The process works both ways. Trade shows give you a valuable opportunity to take a look at potential employers. The impression staffing representatives make on you and the information they provide can help you determine whether a particular agency is a good fit.

To get the most out of a trade show, follow these suggestions from staffing professionals:

• Before you go, polish your resume to highlight your skills and accomplishments. Make several copies to take with you.
• Develop a 30-second self-promotional commercial so you’re ready when recruiters say, “Tell me about yourself.”
• Spend a little time on the Internet researching the attending agencies you want to target.
• Dress for success. Wear formal business attire: a suit or dress slacks/skirt with a jacket. Skirt length and blouse/shirt should be conservative, clean and pressed. Take a briefcase or attractive canvas or leather bag to hold literature.
• When you arrive at the trade show, check the map to locate targeted agencies and visit those first. See what trade shows Maxim is attending in 2009.
• Smile and ask intelligent questions about the agency. Focus on what you have to offer, not what they can do for you.
• After each booth, take a minute to jot down a few notes. After the show, add additional information while it’s fresh in your mind.

Maxim Healthcare Services attends trade shows across the country. Click here to view Maxim’s updated 2009 Trade Show Schedule. Our staffing professionals look forward to meeting you.

The following appeared in an issue of Maxim’s nursing eNewsletter, Nursing Now. To receive news in your e-mail inbox each month, sign up today.