The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way many companies do business, especially how they hire.
Many companies, including those in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, are hosting virtual job fairs. An event that used to take place in hotel conference rooms or convention centres can now be done right from your home!
In fact, CareersNOW! is hosting its first virtual job fair with Maple Lodge Farms on October 5, with more scheduled with other companies through the rest of the year.
So, how do you prepare for a virtual job fair? Here are some tips to help set yourself up for success:
Update your resume prior to the virtual job fair
This might be an obvious one, but make sure your resume is updated with all your latest work experience and skills. You’re going to want a copy of it on hand during the interviews for quick reference.
This video will help you tailor your resume specifically for the food and beverage industry.
Want more info on what to include on your resume? Here is a handy list of dos and don’ts.
Research the available positions listed
Before the event, do some research on the types of positions the companies at the virtual job fair are interviewing for and find the ones you’re interested in.
Look at the job descriptions and qualifications, but keep in mind that you’re not necessarily out of the running if you don’t check every single box!
If you meet most of the qualifications, it doesn’t hurt to apply! Most companies don’t just look at a candidate’s skills, they also look at their personality and whether they would fit in with the company’s culture. If you show you’re passionate about the field and are eager to learn, that could go a long way!
Not sure what roles in the food and beverage industry are best for you? Check out FoodGrad’s guide to 50 Careers Paths in Food and Beverage.
Prepare your space for the virtual job fair
Though a virtual interview gives you the luxury of doing it from home, you should treat a virtual job fair just like an in-person job fair.
Make sure the space you’re in is well-lit and make sure you’re sitting by an outlet case your laptop needs charging. You also want to do your best to make sure you’re away from noise, distractions and potential interruptions. If that’s not possible, mention it to the interviewer at the beginning to avoid looking unprepared or uninterested. Everyone has had to adjust where and how they’ve worked over the course of the pandemic. They’ll understand!
Here are some more tips to help you prepare for a virtual interview in the food and beverage industry.
Practice your answers
Interviewers are not only going to ask you about your skills and experience, they are also going to ask you what’s called behavioural-style questions.
These types of questions allow the interviewer to understand your thought process and approach to things like problem-solving, dealing with conflict and working with others.
You can’t know for sure exactly what behavioural-style questions they’ll ask, but Indeed has a great list of example questions and answers to help you prepare!
About CareersNOW! Virtual Job Fairs
Are you ready to start your career in the food and beverage manufacturing industry? Sign-up for CareersNOW!’s first virtual job fair with Maple Lodge Farms on October 5.
Stay tuned for dates for future virtual job fairs in the future!
CareersNOW! Mentorship Sessions
Want to learn more about what a career in the food and beverage manufacturing industry could look like for you?
Sign up for one of CareersNOW!’s upcoming career mentorship sessions! Whether you’re a college or university student planning your career in the industry or just starting to think about your future, these mentorship sessions will help you the chance to virtually meet with leading professionals to get great career advice and learn about exciting career pathways.
The next session takes place October 12, sign up today!