What are the most effective ways to approach a potential employer at a trade show?

With the cost and stress of recruitment globally more and more companies who are exhibiting are there for many objectives and using it as a vehicle to recruit is one that is becoming even more valuable. Given the struggle to find new staff, many exhibitors would be more than willing to talk to you. I think you will find that door is far more open than you thought it was. In terms of how to approach the company, I would be in favour of being really straight up about it. This also shows confidence….not arrogance if done correctly. Maybe consider when during the day is the right time.

Approaching a potential employer at a trade show requires a mix of confidence and strategy. First, research the company beforehand to understand their needs. Introduce yourself confidently, highlighting your skills and how they align with the company's goals. Ask insightful questions about their work and engage in a meaningful conversation. Finally, follow up afterward to keep the connection alive. How comfortable are you with networking in such settings?

Do your research. Before you go to the trade show, research the companies you're interested in working for. This will help you learn about their products or services, their culture, and the types of jobs they offer. Be prepared. Have a copy of your resume and a professional business card on hand. Be confident. When you approach an employer, introduce yourself and express your interest in the company. Be confident in your abilities and what you can offer the company. Be specific. Don't just say that you're looking for a job. Be specific about the type of job you're interested in and why you're interested in the company. Follow up. After you meet with an employer, send them a thank-you note.

Here are some specific examples of what you can say when approaching an employer: "Hi, my name is [your name]. I'm a [your title] with [your company]. I'm really interested in your [product or service]. I've been working in [your industry] for [number] years, and I have a strong track record of [your skills and experience]. I'm looking for a new opportunity where I can use my skills and experience to make a difference." "I'm really impressed with your [product or service]. I think it has the potential to be really successful. I'm a [your title] with [your company], and I have experience in [your skills and experience]. I'd be interested in learning more about how I could contribute to your team."

Verbal cues: Active listening: Maintain eye contact, nod occasionally, and use verbal cues like "okay," "I see," or "interesting" to show you're engaged. Ask clarifying questions: If something is unclear, politely ask for clarification to ensure you fully understand the information or request. Summarize key points: Briefly summarize what you've heard to confirm your understanding and ensure you're on the same page. Respond directly: Address the specific points raised by your employer and avoid going off on tangents.

Non-verbal cues: Open body language: Lean in slightly, relax your posture, and avoid crossed arms or fidgeting. These signals convey engagement and interest. Maintain focus: Minimize distractions like your phone or side conversations to show your full attention is on the interaction. Take notes: Taking notes, even just keywords, can demonstrate your interest in remembering key points and following up effectively. Additionally: Respond promptly: If you need time to formulate a response, acknowledge the request and let them know you'll get back to them shortly. Deliver solutions or action plans: When possible, go beyond simply understanding the request and offer solutions or next steps to demonstrate initiative and proactiveness.

The golden rule for trade show follow up is to follow up within 6 days. If you have too many leads(nice complaint?!) you need to at very least get an email out within 48 hours explaining when you will follow up. #𝕋𝕙𝕖𝔼𝕩𝕙𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝔾𝕦𝕪

Tradeshows are an excellent opportunity for exhibitors to score talents. It can be a separate objective, but you need to align this with your HR team and also make sure that someone of HR is joining the booth as stand crew. In this way you have a dedicated person available to connect with potential employees. And the rest of the stand staff can focus on their own role, which is creating business opportunities.