Match, Meet, and Mesmerize at a Job Fair

Are you considering another trip through the career maze? Attending a job fair can make you feel like you are playing a losing game unless you have a clear understanding of the rules. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of any job fair, and gaining a competitive edge.

GET A JUMP ON YOUR COMPETITION

* Review the list of participating companies and determine which companies interest you the most. Pick several.

* Collect information about these companies and do your research before you attend the job fair. Check out their Web sites and look for information about them on the Internet.

* Match your skills to the companies' needs and job requirements.

* Practice your fifteen-second introduction. Be sure to include your name, your key skills, and what you can do for the company.

* Review your accomplishments and be ready to talk about them.

KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF

* Approach the job fair as you would a job interview.

* Dress appropriately and avoid wearing too much perfume or cologne.

* Bring plenty of clean, error-free résumés on good quality paper.

* Know what you are looking for. Be able to explain what you can do and what kind of position you want. Remember it is not the recruiter's task to determine which job is right for you.

* Relate what you know about the company and their products and services.

* Link your skills and experience to what they need. If you visited their Web site, say so.

* Enjoy the process; be positive and ready to talk about yourself.

* Smile, shake hands, and introduce yourself.

* Ask questions that demonstrate your interest.

* Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can follow up later. Make notes on the back of the card so you can remember what you discussed.

DON'T SABOTAGE YOUR SUCCESS

* Don't bring your children.

* Don't try to baffle anyone with smooth talk.

* Don't bring up any past history you have with the company or its recruiters.

* Don't grab a handful of freebies. Take one.

ESSENTIAL AND YET NOT SO OBVIOUS

* Visit with the smaller, seemingly less successful employers. You could easily miss a dynamic, little-known company that is a perfect match.

* Talk to other job seekers. Exchange information about possible employers. Don't miss out on this hot source of possible opportunities.

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION

* Sort through the company business cards you collected. Prioritize them for following up.

* Contact recruiters and hiring managers by telephone. After small job fairs, follow up within three days. After large job fairs, follow up within five days. Remind them of who you are, when you met, and what job or position you discussed.

* Express interest in meeting with them and offer to send them another copy of your résumé if they can't locate yours immediately.

* Follow up, follow up, and follow up yet again.

Mary Jeanne Vincent is the author of Acing the Interview tip cards featuring answers to the top 20 "killer" interview questions. Also included are tips for interviewing in the new economy, ideas for responding to illegal and trick questions, and suggestions for avoiding 10 deadly interview mistakes.

Go to http://www.2bworkwise.com for free job search articles and to sign up for the free WorkWise e-zine. For information on individual job and career coaching or to find out about other practical, easy-to-use career tools call Mary Jeanne at 831.657.9151.

---

Get That Job: Mastering Job Interviews

I've heard it said?in fact, it might well have been me that said it ? there are few things more excruciating in professional life than the job... Read More

Writing A Great Resume, Part 1

Need a great resume to land that great job coming up? We are going to learn to create an eye-catching resume, using Microsoft Word.First, you need to... Read More

The Power to Succeed

It's amazing how we fool ourselves... while at the same time believing we are doing what's best.Let me give you an example. I overheard a guy telling... Read More

How You Can Find Freelance Writing Employment

How can you find writing jobs? Do you have proven skills that can propel you in the right direction? If so, then why are you looking for... Read More

If Youre Fired, Will Past Employers Keep Your Secret?

Despite what some job seekers think, it is not illegal for former employers to tell reference checkers that you were fired. They can say anything they want... Read More

For Effective Decisions, Look Beyond Career Stereotypes

You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on race, religion or sex. But when you make a career or business decision, do you still make... Read More

Overcome Interview Nerves: Be Better Prepared than Your Interviewer

Although interview preparation is everything it's sad to say that perhaps as many as half of all interviewers you're going to meet will be unprepared or incompetent.... Read More

Self-Preservation Techniques For The Unemployed

Looking for work can be difficult, frustrating, anxiety-provoking, and demeaning.There are few situations we encounter in life where we feel so powerless. Not only do we have... Read More

Fuzzy Headed Job Goals Lead to a Fuzzy Headed Life!

May I clarify in this article what I believe to be "fuzzy headed" life and job decisions. I believe both are entwined: life and job."Fuzzy Headedness" is... Read More

Interview Quicksand

How will you respond when you're asked the following two questions?1.What type of boss do you like to work for?2.What are the pros and cons about your... Read More

Create A Rappin? Resume

(Percussion sounds emanating from who knows where while you listen to the cadence of the words below.)It's time to sell yourself.May the words light up the way.It's... Read More

Losing a Career When Youre Moving for Love

Those who watched HBO's Sex and the City (SATC, now available on DVD) know the last eight episodes were less about sex and more about city. And... Read More

So, Your Made A Mistake

Of course, mistakes are important. Two facts put those you make in perspective. One, everyone who plays the game makes mistakes. Two, that you make mistakes is... Read More

In Control - Inside Tips on Interview Success

No, you can't control how the interview will be conducted, nor can you control the outcome. But you can influence it greatly by the way you present... Read More

Writing Great Cover Letters

Cover letters are an essential ingredient to your complete résumé package. This is the best opportunity for you to demonstrate your personal character, knowledge of the company... Read More

7 Tips for Writing Winning Resume Cover Letters

Writing a good resume cover letter is something you should seriously consider when preparing to send off your resume to potential employers.Here are seven important cover letter... Read More

Career Discovery - Pinpoint Your Ideal Career

Determine your ideal career--one that's in alignment with your values, passions, and talents--and discover the work you were born to doCareer discovery is the process by which... Read More

Resurrecting the Perfect Resume, Part Two

Are you in denial about the lifelessness of your resume? If you are reasonably qualified for the type of work you seek, yet your resume is consistently... Read More

What To Do When HR Calls...

Generally, when you present yourself as a prospective candidate for a new employment opportunity, your information will filter through the Human Resources department. Since every company has... Read More

Update Your Resume Today

A friend was just promoted to a position of vice-president of a company. I am happy for him and the first thing I told him after congratulations... Read More

Have Enough Money to Change Careers - Five Key Steps

At every talk I give, I ask the audience to tell me the reasons why people don't change careers. The most common answer given each time is... Read More

Job Interviews: Succeeding With Panel Interviews

These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of three-to-six interviewers.A "team approach" to finding the best candidate can be beneficial for the employer. Each member... Read More

Discontentment in the Workplace

While more people are finding employment, more employed workers are discontent and experiencing frustration. In most cases it can be boiled down to four factors: feeling undervalued,... Read More

9 Secrets to Career Success

Are you miserable at your job (or what you are doing) but go anyway to earn a living? Do you feel you are unable to use your... Read More

Dont Stop! Your Transition is Still Moving!

Q. I'm looking for a new job and plan to work with a career consultant next month. Meanwhile, I'm working on the garden and some friends are... Read More

How To Get a Job Offer From Every Interview

About four years ago a friend told me one night that she had an interview the next week and was looking for some comfort as she was... Read More