You're eager to stand out at virtual job fairs. How do you leave a lasting mark on potential employers?

A polished online profile is your digital calling card. Not only should it be thorough and professional but it should also describe your career journey in an interesting way. Use professional photos and make sure your LinkedIn or portfolio highlights your skills and accomplishments well. This first impression can have a huge impact on how employers view you before direct contact occurs.

Use the online tools available to ask questions and comment as you would in a face-to-face event. Ask more interesting questions based on your research. Don't ask anything too obvious or ask about terms and conditions of employment.

Actively participating in the job fair sets you apart from other competitors. Asking insightful questions and taking a genuine interest in the companies shows you’ve done your research. This proactive approach not only gets you remembered, but shows employers that you’re serious about the opportunity and invested in their organization.

Mastering virtual etiquette is essential to making a good impression. Make sure your technology works properly, choose the appropriate settings, and dress professionally. Your body language and eye contact with the camera can improve your communication skills, making you seem more confident and engaged, which can speak positively to employers.

Send a short note after the event with your profile/ resume highlighting which role(s) you are interested in and 3-4 key attributes that make you a great candidate.

Following up after an interview is an important step that many candidates overlook. Sending a personalized thank you message can boost your happiness and productivity. By highlighting a specific conversation, you remind employers of your connection, keeping your name fresh in their minds and potentially increasing your chances of being remembered for future opportunities.

One of the other ways you can definitely add value is to know which employers are going to visit the job fair and know a little bit about who is coming. What this will do is, your knowledge about company and the people will get the attention that you are doing your homework properly. Also, I would highly suggest to target the companies that YOU want to work with. Narrow down the list of employers, choose wisely.

Before the event, prepare an "elevator pitch" to demonstrate your value as a potential employee. To prepare this statement, list all your most impressive attributes, pick the ones most relevant to the jobs on offer, and put them together in a statement.

When communicating with potential employees, focus on the value you bring to their team. Instead of just listing skills, talk about how your skills can meet their needs and help them achieve their goals. Sharing specific examples of past successes can demonstrate your potential impact, making you a great candidate.

Before you attend the virtual job fair, you must decide on your goals. Who would you like to meet, and what do you want to get out of the conversation? Do some research. Ensure you prepare an elevator pitch statement demonstrating your value as an employee when meeting people and be able to clearly and concisely summarise your background and career history. Prepare some questions for your interactions. Finally, follow up on exciting conversations over LinkedIn or email after the fair.

Using virtual job fairs as networking opportunities can have long-term benefits. Connecting with job seekers and other industry professionals can expand your network and open the door to future opportunities. Maintaining professionalism in all interactions is key, as you never know who might be able to help you on your career journey.