Making Connections
Job fairs: One-stopemployment shoppingYou've heard horror stories about the lineups, the noise and confusion as hundreds of job seekers descend upon job fairs, vying for the same positions. |
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 [ 2002-04-24 ] |
The experience can be overwhelming.
But job/career fairs bring together numerous employers in similar fields, such as information technology or health care, actively seeking qualified candidates.
"Job fairs are a lot like supermarkets. You can shop the companies you want to seek," says Barbara Collins, vice-president and workforce solutions expert with Drake Beam Morin, which specializes in human resource solutions.
Job fairs are often advertised in the newspaper up to a month in advance, giving you plenty of time to prepare.
"Do a fair amount of research before you go, to maximize your efforts," Collins says. "Target the companies you really want to speak to."
At the same time, explore your options by speaking to additional companies. "Go with an open mind," says Sylvia Milne, a partner with Catalyst
Career Strategies in Toronto. "Talk to anyone who will talk to you. You'll learn about the company, the style of the organization and jobs you may not even know about.
Introduce yourself and shake hands with recruiters -- show enthusiasm and interest.
"Get on the company's agenda before you get on your own," Collins says.
"Companies are going to screen for a group to take to the next level.
Demonstrating an awareness of what the company is about and asking intelligent questions is an easy way to distinguish yourself."
Prepare a one-minute "commercial" that outlines your strengths, goals and interest in the company.
"Be sure you can comfortably, easily and briefly explain why you are unique and what you especially can bring to the job," Milne says. "Speak in a clear, concise fashion without using jargon. Outline five or six things you feel are important."
When Bell ExpressVu held an open house last fall to fill positions at its call centre in
Toronto, recruiters saw 650 applicants in four hours. They spent two to three minutes screening each applicant and reviewing their resumes.
"We would determine if the candidate was suitable to go to the next step," says Jerome Zeyen, senior manager of human resources. "If they were, a further interview time was arranged with them."
Bell ExpressVu booked 200 interviews. "It was a great success," Zeyen says.
Some recruiters may want to conduct on-the-spot interviews.
"Be ready to interview," Collins says. "They have positions that are open. They are looking for talent. They need to talk to you."
Take along plenty of resumes. "Leave one everywhere," Milne says. "Make sure your resume speaks strongly to your strengths and accomplishments, not just your responsibilities."
Dress professionally, just as you would for an interview. "How you dress does have an impact," Zeyen says. "You're presenting your resume in person, so you should dress appropriately."
Collect a business card from each recruiter you speak to and follow up companies you are interested in with a handwritten thank-you note.
"It's one more thing to make you stand out," Collins says. "Take notes during your conversation so you can reference what you talked about in your letter."
And remember to keep a positive attitude as you concentrate on the benefits of the experience.
"Job fairs are a good component of a job search," Collins says. "Get as much out of them as you can."
Job Fair Tips:
(Linda White is an based in Brooklin, and can be reached at linda.white@rogers.com.)
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