GUERRILLATACTICS FOR JOB FAIRS
Jo Curtin, Manager, Career Expo Conference Planners Source: JobStar, http://jobstar.org/socal/resource/fairs/fair-tips.com
After watching and talking to thousands of job seekers who've attended our events over the past 12 years, we've learned there is an "art" to getting a job through participation in job fairs. A few tips that make the difference:
1. TAKE THE EVENT SERIOUSLY.
It is an interview. You are making that all-important first impression. Only a small percentage of hundreds of interviewees will stand out at the end of the event. Make sure you're one of them! Dress well, practice your best handshake, award-winning smile and eye contact!
2. CREATE THE IDEAL RESUME.
It should be short, sharp and digestible in one minute's reading by an employer. There are really excellent guides on resumes. Make sure yours is one that is memorable but totally professional. Use good quality WHITE paper (copies are ok as long as they are very clean and crisp).
Forget pictures, graphics, colored paper, funky print styles--they don't leave a positive impression and they aren't scannable. Most major employers today will scan your resume into an automated applicant tracking system that can mean quicker retrieval for current or future interviews--if your resume meets the strict criteria the technology can handle. Prepare a resume that will scan well.
3. PLAN YOUR STRATEGIES CAREFULLY.
Use all the information provided by the job fair producer and the attending companies. Company literature, job descriptions and advertising by the company is usually available.
match for you.
If you are able to read it prior to meeting them, you'll be prepared, ready to make cogent conversation and ask intelligent questions--making you a much more interesting candidate than those who ask "So. What do you guys do?" Bad move.
That is, "What skills and characteristics would the ideal programmer need for your project leader position?"
4. YOUR "MINI-INTERVIEW" SHOULD BE A DIALOGUE, NOT A MONOLOGUE.
THEN, use that information to sell yourself.
"As you can see from my experience, I have..." OR, "Can you tell me what characteristics your most successful sales reps have?"..."I'm glad to hear that because..."
Because you have limited time to make an impression and gain valuable information about the company, you should have several questions ready. These questions help you figure out if the company is a good
5. ANSWER QUESTIONS DIRECTLY POLITELY AND CONCISELY.
Your goal is to get a SECOND interview, "in house" this time, so you don't have to play all your cards on the first round. If you're genuinely interested, let them know! "I am quite excited about the possibilities your company offers, and I think I have the talent to help you achieve your goals...What do I need to do to arrange a second interview?"
This isn't "pushy";it's flattering and says you are professionally assertive! Ask them how they rate your credentials and "fit" compared to other candidates they're seeing. Asking for an honest appraisal is one of the best ways to raise it a notch!
6. IF A SECOND INTERVIEW ISN'T ARRANGED IMMEDIATELY, DON'T DESPAIR.
Do the old-fashioned thing--send a thank you note to the person you met. (Get their card or write down their name and address at the event). Remind them of your interest and your qualifications and reiterate your interest in pursuing the second interview.
Few people follow through this way today and you'll stand out from the crowd and demonstrate professional follow through.
If an emergency occurs and you can't be on time, CALL and explain.
7. WHEN A SECOND INTERVIEW IS ARRANGED, BE SURE TO BE THERE ON TIME.
Many of them have interviewed at other companies who may have an ideal position for you. Some may be leaving the ideal job for you. Share resources, leads and ideas.
8. DON'T FORGET TO "NETWORK."
Often, other resources will be available such as professional associations or career centers. Make use of all the possibilities Remember, the more times you send your ship out, the more likely it will come in!
TOP TEN THINGS NOT TO SAY AT A CAREER FAIR
10. When will I hear from you?
9. What do I wear to the interview?
8. I don't have any experience.
7. How much do you pay?
6. How much do you make?
5. I'm looking for anything.
4. What give-a-ways do you have?
3. Tell me about your company.
2. Do you hirE majors?
1. Are you single?
CAREER FAIR FASHION DO'S AND DON'TS
- Don't wear hiking boots, athletic shoes or sandals.
- Do coordinate socks with shoe color.
- Don't wear wild print shirts or sportswear.
- Do choose conservative ties and jewelry.
- Don't wear jeans or sweats.
- Do select comfortable, professional or business attire.
- Don't chew gum.
- Do brush your teeth.
PLAN YOUR PATH
Capitalize on the career fair by using the map to develop a well-organized strategy to meet employers and make the most of your time.
- Focus on 6-8 employers that interest you.
- Review the list of attending employers.
- View the company profiles and available positions at http://www.ku.edu/~uces/careerfair.
- Conduct additional research about the company.
- Find the companies on the map online to plan your path.
TOP 10 PLACES EMPLOYERS FIND NEW HIRES
1. Internship program
2. Co-op program
3. On-campus interviews
4. Employee referrals
5. Career/job fairs
6. Through faculty contacts
7. Internet job postings (own company site)
8. Job postings to career offices (printed)
9. Student organizations/clubs
10. Internet job postings (campus web site) Source: Job Outlook 2003, NACE
EMPLOYERS RATE EXPERIENCE
Relevant work experience 4.0
Internship experience 3.9
Any work experience 3.6
Co-op experience 3.2
(On a 5-point scale where 5=important;
1=unimportant)
Source: Job Outlook 2003, NACE