I went to a job fair for the second time in my life today. To be honest, it was a real eye opening experience for me. There were approximately five thousand people there, forty comapnies, and fifteen hundred jobs available! I went in line at like 7:30 AM because the doors opened at 8:30 am. There were already 100 people lined up at the door! They kept piling in even after 8:30! If you ever attend a job fair here are some tips to help you get through the long day!
Before the event:
- Find out what companies will be represented, do your homework and research. What types of jobs do they have open? What kinds of people are they looking for? What kinds of skills do these people need to have? Forty different companies were represented today. Companies suchas Google, UPS, Lowe's , and Allstate were represented today. I must havestopped at every booth! I asked questions about licensing, experience, history of the company etc.. Most jobs there were entery level positions, but a few required like one to five years experience in the field of choice.
- Develop some questions you would like to ask the employers. Narrow down your list of businesses with positions you are interested in. Then list some questions you would like to ask the company representaive. Questions like: What is your starting Salary? What benefits do you offer? What shifts do you offer? Do you offer overtime? are very valuable questions to ask the human resources representative.
- Proofread your resume, at least twice!!!!!! If you do not have one ready, it is a good idea to put a resume toegther. It gives employers an idea of your skills and something tangible to remember you by. Be sure to proofread your resume several times and have someone prrofread it for you. I will be doing a mytake all about resumes on a later date.
- Be sure that your resume contains your latest updated contact information! You will want employers to be able to contact you if needed. Double check that your address, phone number, and email address are correct and up to date.
At the event:
- Arrive dressed for success. Dress as if you are going to a job interview, because you basically are going to one giant mass interview. Watch your manners and mannerisms as well. Try to watch the following:
- Stand up straight, do not fidget
- Do speak up clearly
- Do not chew gum or smell like smoke
- Have a good firm handshake, and maintain eye contact
- Take this time to ask questions of employers that you can't ask online. What do they look for in the ideal candidate? How long does it take to fill a position? How many interviews may a candidate expect? Is any testing required? When might they expect to make a decision? Feel free to ask respective employers for candid feedback of your chances of being considered for a specific job opening. Like today the North Carolina Department of Corrections was there taking applications for prison workers. Their standards are tough. You have to pass a physical fitness test including: five lunges on each leg, being able to drag a one hundred and twenty five pound tackling dummy twenty five feet, and a combination of 40 sit ups and push ups.
- Always get the persons name and business card if available. Jot down the representative's name and the company's name so you can contact them to follow up with a phone call or email. Also ask for a business card if available, it contains the persons name, title, company address,phone number,email,and sometimes LinkedIn page.
After the Event:
- Follow up. Within 24 hours after the event, send the recruiter an email thanking them for listening to you and being attentiave. Remind them of who you were and reiterate your strong qualifications for the position. This simple step can separate you from the other attendees who mistakenly assume the next steps are always in somebody elses hands.
- Stay on top of mind. Remember that job offers are rarely extended within the time tables we hope and pray for. There is a fine line in being polite and pestering someone, so be sure to maintain balance with your follow up techniques.
These tips can also be helpful on job interviews as well. Always be sure to ask questions and get a lot of information. Also make sure to walk out with a ton of business cards and information about the companies represented at the job fair. Also, don't stress out. It's nothing to be worried over. Just be yourself and feel comforable. Yes the competition may be fierce, but you can make yourself shine above all others! I hope you can take this advice to heart. Remember these tips and you will be able to manuever a job fair or interview the right way!
Most Helpful Opinions