HOW TO MAKE A JOB FAIR WORK FOR YOU

WHY JOB SEEKERS GO TO JOB FAIRS

•  To establish job contacts

•  To explore career opportunities

•  To obtain employer information

 

WHY EMPLOYERS GO TO JOB FAIRS

•  To increase public awareness about their organizations

•  To provide career information to students

•  To identify potential employees

•  To possibly fill immediate openings

 

A SUCCESSFUL JOB FAIR EXPERIENCE DEPENDS ON HOW WELL YOU PREPARE BEFORE, COMMUNICATE DURING, AND FOLLOW-UP AFTERWARDS.

PREPARATION

•  Start by clarifying your goals. Know why you are going to the job fair and what you expect to get out of it. It helps to prepare a list of questions and a list of employers/school districts with whom you would like to talk.

•  A carefully written resume is essential. Try to keep it to one or two pages. Sample resumes are available in Career Services and at your local Employment Department.

•  Prepare a one-minute presentation:

•  Introduce yourself

•  Demonstrate that you know something about the employer by conducting some preliminary research

•  Express why you are interested in the employer

•  Briefly, relate your background to what you know about the employers needs

•  Prepare sample answers to questions employers might ask

COMMUNICATION

Remember everything about you is communicating!

•  Be professional

•  Dress to look the part

•  Present a clean and well laid-out resume

•  Demonstrate confidence

•  Answer questions thoroughly but briefly

•  Speak clearly and concisely

•  Be open and honest

•  Maintain eye contact

•  Give a firm, warm, and dry handshake

•  Show real enthusiasm and interest

•  Ask questions to demonstrate knowledge about your field

•  Avoid distracting mannerisms

•  Greet employers on your own, not with your friends

FOLLOW-UP

Take the initiative for effective, timely, and appropriate follow-up

•  Ask how you should best follow-up with that specific employer

•  Ask who the contact person is and get a telephone number

•  If you received any special information or attention, SEND A THANK YOU NOTE! Reaffirm your interest in the employer. If appropriate, enclose your application form and/or request an interview. While no one likes a pest, a qualified person sincerely interested in an employer makes a positive impression as he or she expresses continuing interest.

TIPS FOR THE DAY

•  The day is designed so that you can have informal conversations with as many employers as you want. Take time to ask questions important to you.

•  Make the maximum of contacts. An employer with no vacancies today in a given area may have some in the very near future.

•  Once at the fair, go alone to tables; do not stick together. You want the employers to see you as an individual.

•  It is important to keep a record of the employers you contact and the name of the person with whom you speak. You may wish to contact the employer again as vacancies are determined.

•  Do not hesitate to approach a representative or to join a group already in conversation.

•  Take notes. Accept handouts if you want them.

•  Enjoy the opportunity to learn about different employers.

•  Do not discuss salary or benefits in an introductory meeting.

•  Be realistic; do not expect an interview or job offer, but be prepared for those that do. Some employers conduct informal interviewing at job fairs.

BENEFITS OF THE FAIR

•  Opportunity to meet a large number of prospective employers in one day

•  Easily meet a number of personnel

•  Provides a reality check of the job market

 

          Wednesday, February 8, 2012
         EOU, Loso Foyer, 3-6 p.m.