Last week at VCCS, we hosted a job fair for TSC. We had a
great turn out, with almost 90 people showing up to find out more about the
jobs that were available at this popular country hardware store. Job fairs can
vary depending on how they are organized, where they are taking place and what
jobs are being advertised. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a
few key points to help you get the most out of your next job fair.
Come Prepared
A job fair can host anywhere from one employer with several
available jobs, to hundreds of employers with any number of available jobs. As
a prospective employee, you may be going to just see what’s available or you
may be attending with a specific job in mind. Either way, it’s always a good
idea to arrive prepared, with an updated resume in hand. Make sure your
address, phone numbers and email address are current, along with your most
recent employment experiences written down. At this point you do not need to
have your references prepared, as they are something you bring to your
interview. If you have several different resumes (such as a sales/retail
resume, a labour resume and an administrative resume) you might want to bring
multiple copies of all of them, in case you’re interested in applying to
different positions.
Know Yourself
Have a short summary about yourself mentally prepared.
You’ll be speaking to prospective employers and you want to be able to express
your skills and qualifications in an intelligent and polished manner. It’s best
to not memorize complete sentences;
simply focus on key points you wish to highlight, such as education, your
strongest professional skills, any outstanding accomplishments or projects
you’re proud of, and very importantly; what your future goals are. If you have
these key points comfortably under your belt you will express yourself with
confidence; something that every employer seeks in an employee.
Put in the Effort
Be sure to look your best when attending a job fair. Take
the time to plan your wardrobe in advance; have your clothes washed, ironed and
make sure they fit you just right and go well together. Have a shower that
morning and perform all personal hygiene duties so that you present well.
Remember that a first impression is made in the first 5-10 seconds-it’s
absolutely worth it to look your best!
Follow the Leader
After introducing yourself, learning about the company and
the jobs they have available, follow the lead of the employer; if they are very
busy and have lots of people circulating around, they are probably distracted
and it wouldn’t be the best time to ask a lot of questions. If it’s quiet and
they seem to have time to chat, it could be a good opportunity to ask a few key
questions. Follow their lead so the flow of conversation is comfortable and
appropriate. It’s always a good idea to get their business card so you’ll have
a record of what companies you were interested in pursuing. Definitely shake
their hand in a warm and confident way, making sure you make good eye contact.
You don’t just want to make a good first impression; strive to make a lasting
impression.
If any of this advice reminds you of a job
interview- you’re right on the mark! Treat a job fair just like a regular interview
in terms of resume and question preparedness, and appearance. If a particular
company or job is of particular interest to you, don’t hesitate to ask the
employer if you can contact them to request further information, or an
interview. That shows interest and initiative, and your follow up just might
make the difference in you getting the job. If you have any questions with
regards to resumes, interviews or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact us
at VCCS where our goal is to help you succeed in your job search.
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