Are you considering another trip through the maze of career? Attending a job fair can make you feel like you’re playing a losing game unless you have a clear understanding of the rules. Here are some suggestions to make the most of any job fair, and gaining a competitive advantage. Getting a jump on YOUR COMPETITION * Review the list of participating companies and determine which companies interest you. Pick a number. * Collect information about these companies and do your research before attending the job fair.
their websites and find information about them online. * Party skills to the needs of businesses and job requirements. * Practice your introduction of fifteen seconds. Be sure to include your name, your key skills, and what you can do for the company. * Review your accomplishments and be prepared to discuss them.
Knock their socks off * approach the job fair like a job interview. Levi’s understands that this is vital information. * Dress appropriately and avoid using too much perfume or cologne. * Bring plenty of clean, resumes free of errors in the paper of good quality. * Know what you are looking for. Be able to explain what you can do and what kind of position you want. Remember that it is the job of the recruiter to determine what job is right for you. * Relate what they know about the company and its products and services. * Link your skills and experience they need. If you visit their web site, say so. * Enjoy the process, be positive and willing to talk about yourself. *’s Smile, a handshake, and introduce yourself. * Ask questions that demonstrate your interest. * Ask for the interviewer’s business card so you can follow later. Take notes on the back of the card so that you can remember what was said. Success does not sabotage her * Do not bring your children. * Do not try to confuse anyone with soft words. * Do not open any past history you have with the company or its recruiters. * Do not grab a handful of gifts. Take one. ESSENTIAL AND AN is not so obvious * Visit to the smaller employers apparently with less success. You might not be a dynamic and little known company that is a perfect combination. * Talk to other jobseekers. Exchange information on prospective employers. Do not miss this hot source of potential opportunities. Continue the conversation * Sort through the company business cards you collected. Prioritize them for follow-up. * Contact recruiters and hiring managers by phone. After small job fairs, follow-up within three days. After large job fairs, monitoring within five days. Remind you, when they met, and what job or position in which they discussed. * To express interest in meeting with them and offer to send another copy of your resume if you can not find yours immediately. * Monitoring, monitoring, and follow-up once again. Mary Jeanne Vincent is the author of cards Acing the Interview tip answers to the 20 best “murderer” interview questions. Also included are tips for the interview in the new economy, ideas for responding to illegal and trick questions, and suggestions for avoiding 10 deadly interview mistakes.