Job fairs represent great ways for job seekers to network with many companies at the same event and find inside connections to future employment. Firms that have immediate and continuous job openings use these events as opportunities to find potential employees right away rather than wait for people to contact hiring managers.
Job seekers should listen to employer advice when it comes to applying for jobs or meeting someone face to face for the first time. Someone who submits an application and resume competes with dozens, if not hundreds, of others seeking the same position. Company representatives, recruiters and HR staff constantly look for people who fit in with particular facets of a firm.
Job seekers with knowledge of a company, an organization or a group have an edge with some recruiters. Learn about the department in which you want to work as well as the company's overall goals, mission statement, products and services. Become familiar with product releases, news and other employees at the firm so that you can relate to human resources personnel managers and potential bosses at employment events.
Curiosity and passion are two characteristics that employers like to see in job seekers. Ask questions, and show you belong by responding to feedback from people you meet. A recruiter at a job fair is likely to appreciate interaction as opposed to people who simply drop off a resume and then leave without conversing.
Computer skills and technology usage are musts in any entry-level position. You need to brush up on typing, software skills and general computer knowledge. You should probably become adept at using smartphones and tablets; in fact, using these tools should be second nature to you. Interact with someone at a job fair by showing off your installation of the latest company app on your smartphone.
Good communication skills, both verbal and written, come with the territory of any job. You should be able to talk to people effectively, listen carefully and relay information properly. Almost everyone talks on the phone, interacts with customers and speaks to a boss daily, and you can expect to do the same in virtually any job. Most companies use email as a way to communicate between departments. Some employees also write reports, crunch numbers and organize data, and all these aspects of a job require effective communication.
Job seekers must be open to alternate possibilities if offered positions different from those for which they applied. Sometimes, you want to just get your foot in the door of a great firm and look for a promotion later. Perhaps you lack educational requirements or skill sets, but your enthusiasm lands you a lesser position. Examine the logistics of accepting lesser pay for six months before working up to a higher position with a better salary.
Employment fairs and events create fantastic opportunities for job seekers to receive employer advice about upcoming positions, a company's new product push or the goals of workers at the firm. Network properly by having a good attitude, dressing the part and getting ready for a whirlwind search.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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