1. J OB F AIR G UIDE 2015 PPWFC F ALL A DULT J OB F AIR W EDNESDAY, S EPTEMBER 30, 2015 11 AM – 3:30 PM C OLORADO S PRINGS H OTEL E LEGANT É L OCATED SOUTH OF I-25 AND S OUTH C IRCLE Sponsored by:

2. The 10 Keys to Success at the Job Fair Register in advance – go to www.ppwfc.orgwww.ppwfc.org Look under the red ‘Workshops & Events’ tab Click on ‘2015 PPWFC Fall Adult Job Fair’ Bring your scan card to the job fair, it will ensure quick entry Sign up for and attend a ‘Make the Job Fair Work for You!’ workshop before the job fair to get into the job fair early (10:30 AM) Research companies scheduled to attend the job fair – identify 3 – 5 companies you are most interested in and learn the basics about each company: Company mission/values Location(s) Products/services Market Niche Competitors Employment Opportunities Create targeted résumés Mold and shape your résumé to the specific position in which you are interested Present the information in the résumé in a concise and focused manner Proofread the résumé to eliminate spelling and grammatical errors If you are interested in different positions, make sure you have a distinct résumé focused on each job title Plan to bring 2 – 3 copies of each résumé with you to the job fair Submit your application and résumé in advance of the job fair Telling the recruiter you have already submitted this information demonstrates your interest This allows you to focus your time with the recruiter on your questions about the position, as well as demonstrating your fit for the position Prepare your introduction, to include: Your name and related work experience Primary skills, strengths, and accomplishments Your interest in the particular company and position Engage the recruiter by asking open-ended questions Allow time for dialogue – keep your introduction to 60-seconds or less 2

3. Develop a list of 3 – 5 questions you wish to ask each company Best questions are those generated from your research and that convey your interest. Some examples include: What specific skills or qualifications are you seeking in the ideal candidate? What are the steps in the hiring process? In doing my research, I noticed [ blank ]; do you mind telling me a little about this? Wear appropriate attire Conservative business attire is essential Dressing professionally ALWAYS communicates you are serious about your job search It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed Develop a job fair strategy You have completed the first step by researching companies in which you are interested The second step, when you arrive at the job fair, is to see if any additional companies of interest are present The third step is surveying the layout of the job fair and determining an order in which to talk to companies Consider meeting with your top choices first, then converse with your other choices REMEMBER – stay flexible as your top choices may be the top choices of many, which may mean long lines and less time to speak with the recruiter Manage the intangibles First, talk only with those companies for whom you want to work Second, extend common courtesies, such as offering to get the recruiter a beverage or snack; don’t be upset if the recruiter has to take a break before you have the opportunity to speak with him or her Third, if your ideal company is hiring computer technicians and you want to work in accounting, go ahead and speak with the company at the job fair; ask about positions in your field. Make sure to leave contact information with the recruiter. Network with everyone at the job fair Job fairs are all about networking. Talking with recruiters is an opportunity to build a network with companies. You can also network with other job seekers by sharing information about job leads, companies and their recruiting strategies and styles. Don’t forget to visit staffing agencies at the fair – they are also good sources for networking. 3 Adapted from http://quintcareers.com/job_career_fair.htmlhttp://quintcareers.com/job_career_fair.html

4. 4 T HE J OB F AIR A DVANTAGE : H OW TO U SE N ONVERBAL C OMMUNICATION TO I MPRESS Nonverbal communication is as important, or even more important, than verbal communication. Keep in mind that recruiters may also be in the hotel hallways, lobby, and parking lots, so make sure you are paying attention to both your nonverbal and verbal communication in all of these settings. The evaluation of you as a candidate will start as soon as you walk into the job fair and continue until you leave. If you are displaying negative nonverbal communications or aggressive verbal communication while at the job fair, it won’t matter how well you answer the questions. N EGATIVE N ONVERBAL C OMMUNICATION Reeking of tobacco or marijuana smoke, or alcohol Chewing gum Too much perfume or aftershave/cologne Not enough deodorant Dressed inappropriately Scuffed shoes Talking on your cell phone Listening to music while waiting in line P OSITIVE N ONVERBAL C OMMUNICATION Professional attire Neat grooming Polished shoes Good eye contact Firm handshake Smile Paying attention to the recruiter – not looking around the room Taking notes

5. 5 I MPORTANT E LEMENTS OF N ONVERBAL C OMMUNICATION Make eye contact with the recruiter for a few seconds at a time Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the recruiter is talking Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech Stand up straight, shoulders back, knees slightly bent to keep them from locking – don’t slouch Relax and lean towards the recruiter so you appear interested and engaged Don’t lean back – you will look too casual and relaxed Pay attention, be attentive, and interested Listen…Listen…Listen Don’t interrupt Stay calm, keep your emotions to yourself, and do not show anger or frown Hold a pen and your notepad in your hands while you talk – take notes about things you may need to remember later Remember… There is no Second Chance to make a Good First Impression The most important part of your exchange with the recruiter is when you step up to the table. Be prepared…be focused…be confident!

6. 6 D RESS P ROFESSIONALLY FOR THE J OB F AIR A potential employer’s first impression of you is the most important one! The recruiter’s first impression of you is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That’s why it is so important to dress professionally for a job fair, regardless of the type of work you are seeking. What’s the appropriate dress code for a job fair? You want that first impression to be a great one. In general, being dressed in a suit is going to make a much better first impression than scruffy jeans and a t-shirt. Look your age; don’t dress too young or too old. M EN ’ S J OB F AIR A TTIRE Suit: solid color – navy or dark gray Long sleeve shirt – white or coordinated with suit Tie – no loud colors or prints Belt Conservative, leather shoes Belt – should match shoes Dark socks – should match slacks or shoes Little or no jewelry Neat, professional hairstyle Limit aftershave/cologne Neatly trimmed, clean nails Portfolio or briefcase W OMEN ’ S J OB F AIR A TTIRE Suit: skirt or pants – skirts should be long enough to sit down comfortably Neutral pantyhose if wearing skirt; socks that match slacks or shoes if wearing pants Coordinated blouse – no loud colors or prints Conservative, comfortable shoes Limited jewelry – no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets Professional hairstyle Light make-up and perfume Clean, conservative nails Portfolio or briefcase Adapted from http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewattire/a/interviewdress.htmhttp://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewattire/a/interviewdress.htm

7. 7 Need assistance with appropriate professional dress? Try the following community resources Need assistance with appropriate professional dress? Try the following community resources Women’s Resource Agency Citadel Mall – next to JC Penney’s 750 Citadel Drive W., Suite 3116 Colorado Springs, CO 80909 719.471.3170 reception@wrainc.orgreception@wrainc.org Special Note - WRA also has a limited amount of men’s professional clothing; please call in advance to check on the current inventory. Ecumenical Social Ministries 201 N. Weber Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.636.1916 ESM has a limited supply of professional clothing for men. Please call in advance to check on their current stock. Discover Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado http://discovermygoodwill.org/find-a-store to find a store near you!

8. 8 JOB FAIR DON’TS NOT Do NOT cruise the job fair with friends, spouses, or other job seekers NOT Do NOT bring your children NOT Do NOT carry an oversized backpack, gym bag, briefcase, purse, etc. NOT Do NOT dress in gym clothes, torn jeans, shorts, sandals, or dirty clothes NOT Do NOT show too much skin NOT Do NOT “wing it” with recruiters NOT Do NOT ask “What does your company do?” or “What jobs do you have?” NOT Do NOT monopolize the recruiters’ time NOT Do NOT load up on promotional items NOT Do NOT talk on your cell phone; leave it in the car, turn it off, or place on silent with no vibration You must be registered in www.connectingcolorado.com to attend the Job Fair! Bring your PPWFC SCAN CARD with you to the Job Fair. PAID FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FUNDS