Job Fair A-Z: How to Effectively Navigate A Job Fair
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A- Assertive job seekers make a positive first impression on employers.
B- Bring multiple copies of your resume to distribute to those
organizations that interest you. Come to the Workforce
Development Center
to update your resume and make multiple
copies.
C- Communicate your skills in a clear and concise manner. Focus on
your experience, values and interests.
D- Dress the part. Professional attire is appropriate for job fairs- Nice
slacks, shirt and tie for men and nice slacks or a skirt and a blouse for
women.
E- Early arrival will allow you more time to survey the room and booth
layout for easy navigation at the job fair.
F- Follow-up after the job fair on those jobs that you are interested in by
sending a simple thank you note via e-mail or deliver it yourself.
This shows that you are serious about the position.
G- Grooming includes neatly pressed professional attire, as well as clean
nails and hair.
H- Handshakes should be firm while maintaining direct eye contact with
the employer.
I- Introduce yourself to employers with confidence, and a smile.
J- Job Fairs offer great practice in perfecting networking and
interviewing skills. Talk to as many people as you can; never
underestimate the value of face time with recruiters from leading
companies.
K- Keep notes in a portfolio regarding companies and/or recruiters that
you spoke to. This will be a great help when composing thank you
notes after the event.
L- Look confident as you approach employers. Remember that this
could be your first step toward a new job.
M- Manage your time wisely at a job fair. Take time to map out a
schedule of what employers/booths you will visit.
N- Negativity should be left at home. Don’t let a bad attitude stop you
from landing your next job.
O- Organization is essential in all job searching. Categorize targeted
resumes in labeled folders for easy retrieval. Keep accurate records of
your contacts, telephone calls, and copies of all application materials
that you send.
P- Present a “mini commercial” about yourself. Focus on your skills,
experience, and why you would be a good candidate. Mini
commercials should include: 1. Who you are. 2. Your
qualifications/accomplishments. 3. Special skills that set you apart
from other applicants. 4. One or two examples of how you can help
their company.
Q- Questions for employers should be prepared in advance. Practice
your questions in front of a mirror so that you can critique yourself.
R- Research companies that you are interested in before the job fair.
Come to the Workforce Development Centers to use our computers.
Internet access is available to all clients.
S- Smile when you meet employers. State briefly what you like about
the company and why you decided to stop at their booth.
T- Tackle your fears about job searching by attending job search
workshops offered at the Workforce Development Centers. Check
our website at www.wfdc.org. Go to “quick links” and then select
workshops to view Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington County
workshop calendars.
U- Utilize the opportunity to meet others. Network with other job
seekers at the fair and share leads, resources, and ideas.
V- Value who you are! Market yourself at job fairs by believing in you.
W- Work on STAR statements: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Use
these statements in your communication with employers. These
statements will leave a “picture” of your work experience with
employers.
X- Xpect a positive result from job fairs if you follow all of the steps that
are outlined from A-Z.
Y- You are the one who can make a difference. Prepare and practice,
practice, practice…..
Z- Zoom into our upcoming Workforce Development Center Job Fairs: