Making the Most Of A Job Fair

Preparing for the Job Fair Learn Job Search Basics Research Companies Prep and Check! Attending the Job Fair Arrival Registration Recruiters

What are the Job Search Basics? Resume Basics  Targeting Your Resume Interviewing Skills  Get comfortable asking and answering questions Networking  30 Second Introduction

Resume Basics Resumes are always changing Differences in government (USA Jobs) and private sector resumes Targeting your resume is key  Lets See! Action Verbs Onetonline.org Tagcrowd.com Attend Resume Basics Workshop  Held at the A&FRC and CareerSource

Interviewing Skills Keep interview questions and answers professional not personal in nature. Practice Interviewing  Mock Interviews provided at CareerSource Increase chances for an interview by making a good “First Impression”

Networking ___% of people find jobs through networking Increases to ___% for job seekers 50+ Job Fairs What’s your work background or expertise? Join local professional organizations Emerald Coast Professionals 34 46

30 Second Introduction Tell me about yourself ? What's Allowed?  Professional Background  Careers Interest  Education What's Allowed? Personal Information X

30 Second Introduction Elevator Pitch Greeting – Include your first and last name Experience – In your job or career field Expertise – Major skill Sets Strengths – Specific skills that you possess Accomplishments – That show your strengths Professional Style – Traits that show how you work Goal – What you want to do with your experience

30 Second Introduction Elevator Pitch Greeting – Hello my name is ___________. Experience – I’m an experienced ___________. or Expertise – I have ___years experience in the ___________industry with expertise in ________and_____________. Strengths – My strengths are______and_______. Accomplishments – I have been recognized for _____. Professional Style – I’m_________and_________. Goal – I am interested in________________.

Trivia! ___% of hiring managers use social networking sites like LinkedIn to look for potential candidates who’ve been referred by other professionals. 85

Research Companies Who will be at the job fair?  Maybe this job fair isn’t for you based on the companies in attendance  Attend military-focused job fairs, as they are a good match for veterans and those leaving the military What companies am I interested in ? When does the job posting close? Why target my resume before the Job Fair? How can I impress them?  Cover Letter Summary  Let the company know what job specifically you are interested in.

Prepare Clothing For Job Fair What you should wear Collard Shirt (long sleeved) Polo Khakis Dress/Skirts (knee-length) Dress Pants Keep it Simple What to avoid wearing Jeans Gym Shoes Shorts Tight Clothing Colorful Ties Heavy Make-Up X X X X X X

Checklist ! Resume Reference List Cover Letter Folder for Documents Pens and Notebook 30 Second Introduction List of Companies Job Fair Attire Location Distance

Arrival/Registration Register ahead of time if possible Get to the Job Fair 10 minutes early! Obtain Handouts Map it out!  Look for the primary companies you are interested in and have prepared for and go to those first.

Recruiters Greeting  Hello my name is…  Firm Handshake  Smile Questions they may ask  What do you know about our company?  Why would you like to work for us?  What’s your field of expertise? Questions you should ask  What are the opportunities for Advancement with your company?  What type of educational background do you look for in your employees?  May I contact you if I have any further questions?

Recruiters Keep Responses Positive  I am taking this opportunity to find a career that I will enjoy. I want to make a positive contribution to my employer Professional Topics Only  Skill Set  Educational Background  Career Goals Company Policy  I cannot offer you the position  I cannot offer you an interview  You still have to apply online

Follow-Up Collect contact names and information so you can follow up with company representatives after the event Use LinkedIn to look up the people you meet at the event and invite them to join your network Send a Thank You Letter! Don’t Forget To Mention Your Application!

Trivia! ___% of interviewers regularly send thank- you notes ___% of employers appreciate or expect the notes 36 75

Questions