Title: Make the Most of a Job Fair - Prepare, Network, and Dress Well

Content:

Dear Sam: After spending 13 years with my last employer, I was recently laid off and am beginning a job search. This entire process is new to me; I've never really had to look for a job, and when I did look back in the 1980s, it was a very different environment. I noticed the SE Missourian is hosting a career fair on October 21st, so I thought that would be a good kick-off to my search. What should or can I do to prepare myself for the event? Any advice would be appreciated. - Jack

Dear Jack: I'm sorry to hear about your recent job loss, and think the career fair will be a great way to embark on the newest phase of your career. Career fairs can be overwhelming so preparing for it is a great way to make the most of the opportunities that will be there. At the very least, getting out for the day, dressing professionally, and being prepared to sell yourself, will do wonders to your psyche and your self-confidence. As an additional bonus, you will get a head start on sharpening your interviewing and networking skills.

Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of the experience:

1. Review the list of exhibitors. You will need to do this for several reasons. First, when you walk up to a booth it will be impressive if you know something about the exhibitor. The worst question to ask a prospective employer is, "What do you do?" Do some research on the Internet to learn about the company, taking the time to review recent press articles so you are aware of the direction the company is heading. You can also peruse the career section of their site to get an idea of what positions they may be seeking to fill. This will be important when you are telling the employer what you can do for them.

2. Customize your cover letter. While you are researching the exhibiting companies, gather their contact information and even a human resource manager's name if at all possible. Use this information to customize your cover letter to each company, doing so will immediately tell the recruiters you have gone the extra mile and are very interested in working for them.

3. Prepare your sales pitch. Develop a two-minute answer to the question, "Tell me about yourself." By doing so you will maximize your time with the hiring manager versus stumbling and taking five minutes to say the same thing. Tailor this statement to suit the needs of the employer; in other words, don't spend your time telling them what you want to do or your life history. Focus this statement on the value you can offer the employer, highlighting your core competencies, and providing concrete examples reinforcing your claims.

4. Map out your strategy. When you get to the job fair, find out where each company of interest is exhibiting and map out a strategy to visit each booth. Don't be discouraged if you see long lines. If you need to, return at a more convenient time, keeping keep a list of the exhibitors you have visited so you don't leave the fair forgetting to speak to one of your prospects.

5. Ask for business cards. Upon closing your discussion with each hiring manager, politely ask for his or her business card so you can follow-up on the opportunity with a second copy of your résumé and even a personal phone call.

6. Dress for the job you want! Despite a job fair often seeming less formal than an individual interview, you should still take the time to dress for the job you want. Take this opportunity to put your best foot forward, both on paper and in person. That doesn't mean you have to run out and buy a 3-piece suit, but do try to dress at the business casual level or above. Remember, you are essentially going on an interview (and competing against hundreds of others), so take the time to dress well to make a great first impression.

By preparing yourself for the job fair, you will make the most of this opportunity, engage yourself in a professional environment, and better equip yourself for future interviews. See you there!

Meet Dear Sam at the 7th Annual Career Fair on October 21st at the Osage Community Centre.

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Do you have a question for Dear Sam? Write to dearsam@semissourian.com. Samantha Nolan owns Ladybug Design, a résumé writing and interview coaching firm. For more information, call (888) 9-LADYBUG (888-952-3928) or visit www.ladybug-design.com.

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