For the past few months, I've been selectively attending local, community based job fairs, setting up career coaching stations and offering job seekers some on-the-spot advice to tackle the fast paced, competitive and often stressful job fair environment. The job fair experience is your opportunity to maximize your access to potential employers. Since many companies attending job fairs have limited jobs to offer, or are prospecting for future openings, you must be at your best. As said in our last post, you must make a good first and lasting impression. It's critical to make the best of your interaction with recruiters. Job fairs are fast paced and very competitive. Be prepared to make a lasting first impression.
Job Ready
1. Always dress for success in professional attire Men: Business suits with ties. Don’t have a suit? Dress pants, dark colored blazer, white shirt and a simple tie will do. Women: Keep it simple. Business suit, solid color blouse, sensible shoes (no stilettos). Don’t have a suit? Skirt, with dark colored blazer, white or solid color blouse will do. Minimize accessories like jewelery. Keep nails short with neutral polish. Remove piercings and cover tats whenever possible. Let's not give employers a reason to pre-judge or make assumptions about you that do not reflect your skills and abilities.
2. Bring Several Copies of Your Resume Carry multiple copies of your resume in an easy to open folder. Consider having different versions of your resume for different jobs or employers. The goal is to capture the recruiters attention and seem like you are targeting your job search.
Make sure there are no errors on your resume. Absolutely no handwritten edits or corrections.
Keep your contact information up to date.
Job Savvy
3. Research Employers Participating in the event.
Know the types of employers that will be at the event. Know the company's ups and downs, trends in the field, or current status of the company.
Visit the booth for employers in your field first.
Have an idea of what jobs they are offering and what skills they require.
Ask about future opportunities in other areas, training programs, volunteerism, and internships, if apropriate.
CONNECT, INFLUENCE, CREATE AND ACHIEVE
4. Good Communication with Employers is Key to Success.
Make direct eye contact
Introduce yourself and tell the employer 3 things that make you right for the job.
Don’t carry multiple packages. Keep your hands free for the important handshake.
Don’t say things like “what’s this about?” or “what kind of job is this?”
Instead say, ‘Would you tell me more about your company?” or “Do you have positions for someone with my skills and experience?” (of course, you must first tell them about your skills and experiences -so practice that ever important "elevator pitch"...your 15 seconds to say who you are, what you do, and why that has value to the employer. Even if there are no jobs available, thank the recruiter. Don't walk away with an attitude. Turn off the desperation. Yes, the job market is hard and recruiters know that too. So, stop saying "I just need a job." or "I'll take anything." Employers know that's not true! If you have 5 years of experience in finance and an MBA, you're not going to take a job as the mail clerk (unless having that job realistically will save you from homelessness).
Ask for a card or contact information from the recruiter. Make sure to follow-up with a letter or e-mail, expressing your continued interest.
5. Stay Calm
Take a deep breath and count to 10 before approaching the employer/recruiter
Speak slowly and clearly, gather your thoughts. Ask questions and give straight answers when asked questions by recruiters.
Job fairs are good ways to practice your socials skills, so stay focused, stay engaged.
Take your time going to each employer, systematically. Come up with your plan of attack and stick to it.
Talk with other job seekers for insight and tips...this is also a networking opportunity.
To get more insight on the job fair experience from the job seeker and recruiters point of view. Check 0ut these videos from some local NY news stations.
http://wcbstv.com/consumer/job.fair.unemployment.2.1124173.html
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