Some people have described job fairs as a useless feat, one that is a complete waste of time and a totally tiring experience. But experts have proven these as false accusations.
Some people have described job fairs as a useless feat, one that is a complete waste of time and a totally tiring experience. But experts have proven these as false accusations. In fact for someone to call a job fair tiring, that person must have wanted a quick excuse to skip the fair out of sheer laziness or really did not make the most out of this occasional event.
If a job fair is not one of the quickest way to getting employed, then I’m not really certain of any other alternative. And why is that? Employers have admitted that meeting and interacting face to face with their potential workers is a critical part of the employment process. Especially in a less austere setting, they gain the opportunity to build rapport and get to know job seekers better. Personal connections like this are impossible to acquire when submitting an online resume.
Essentially, job fairs provide an avenue for job seekers to come into close contact with companies that are normally hard to reach. They give access to those who would, on a normal day, be blocked at their corporate reception desks. By sending people who have an impact on hiring decisions, applicants get the chance to work their way into companies that would otherwise be left in their dreams.
Job seekers also learn about how companies present themselves, their products and/or services and if they will be satisfied with their work environment if and when chosen.
But before you enter into the gates of a job fair, you must be well armed and charged up for what will be the last of your unemployed days and that requires some minimal know-how.
So how do I take advantage?
I always advice interested candidates to pre-register for a fair. Why so? Pre registering means you are up for serious business and therefore, just as a brother’s wedding invitation or the date for your spouse’s birthday dinner has been boldly engraved on your calendar and to do list, so too, must you place that priority on something that will eventually lead to your monthly paycheck. Some job fairs ask that job seekers submit resumes or summary resumes that are forwarded to invited companies. That means, employers are able to prescreen applicants before the actual date.
“My belief is you have one chance to make a first impression” Am I the only one who agrees with Kevin McCarthy? Whether good or bad, first impression counts, especially when you have to impress an employer. What you must know is that it does not take one day to build this Rome. Actually, it requires constant practice to prove that the way you carry yourself is in coherent with your level of intelligence and education as well as your mode of verbal communication. When it comes to employment, the little things matter – looking at the numerous job seekers that apply for limited positions every year – and first impression is one of those little things that make a great impact.
“When you see a person, do you just concentrate on their looks? It’s just a first impression. Then theirs is someone who doesn’t catch your eye immediately, but you talk to them and they become the most beautiful thing in the world…” I couldn’t agree with Brad Pitt any less.
Speaking of self-impression, it is important to look presentable and well put for the occasion. What a sight it will be to see a job seeker wearing a bikini, ready to take a stroll at the beach right after the programme closes. This is not an ordinary event, so what image are you looking to project to your future employer?
You wouldn’t have all day to speak to employers or company representatives, telling them about yourself and the name of your pet. So it is only right that prepare at least a 30 second pitch – perfect enough to gain their due attention and yet short enough to give others a try as well.
However, before you sit down to have a talk with the company, you must have already done your research back home. Go through all the invited companies’ websites, wechat accounts, news feeds and what have you before entering the fair. That way, you will recognize the companies you deem perfect enough for your expertise and then work at it, work your way to impressing them enough to call you back for a second interview. Luckily, GIC has tasked it upon themselves to provide information on almost all the invited companies on their account for job seekers to take an easy dig at. Your research wouldn’t end there; also learn about Learn about the demand for your current skillset By browsing the open positions and talking to recruiters, judge where your current skillset would most be appreciated and if there are there skills in high demand that you don’t have but could learn quickly enough to apply. Furthermore, learn about other industries where your current skillset is in demand. If you’re considering a career change or just if you’re open to one, recruiters and other company reps at the fair can make suggestions for positions they’re trying to fill.
What must I bring along?
Don’t forget to come along with copies of your resume and/or business cards. Especially where you may have not done the online job application for a company, you can quickly give out your resume to other companies you are interested in.
A notebook will also come in very handy. With forums going on as well, there will be so much information to handle that you can’t process it all. So why not take along a notepad to jot down very important information.
A few reminders
Bear in mind that job fairs are meant for you to connect and to network as much as possible. One of the most under-used job fair tactics is to talk to other job seekers at the fair! Share tips, job seeker business cards and feedback, and look for ways to help each other out. You should collect as many business cards as possible. Then, when it’s time to apply for an open position, you can stand out by referencing that connection in your cover letter or introduction email.
Photos : Internet
