Job Hunt: Making the most of job fairs

TEMPE, AZ - We want to help those of you on the job hunt.

The Arizona economy may be on its way to a slow recovery, but the unemployment rate in our state remains sky high.

Each Wednesday, we highlight real mistakes made during real job interviews, plus other job hunt dilemmas, and offer real tips to help turn those situations around.

Have you had your own bad experiences? Do you know someone else who has shared a bad experience with you? E-mail us a summary at rebecca.thomas@abc15.com, and we'll track down some advice from the experts for one of our future posts.

This week's job hunt scenario:

It seems like there are several job fairs held each month -- with hundreds of people in attendance. How can I make the most of a job fair and stand out in the crowd?

This week's advice:
By: Karen E. Lamb
Assistant Director, Career Advising and Curriculum
Arizona State University

As the saying goes, “you never have a second chance to make a first impression.” Ironically, it’s easy for recruiters to remember job seekers who dress inappropriately or display rude behavior. So, how do you get noticed for the right reasons? How do you stand out in the crowd at a job fair?

Three words: polish your shoes! Candidates, who make a positive impression at job fairs, and interviews as well, pay attention to each minuscule detail of their professional presentation. This mean a perfectly-prepared resume and impeccable grooming from head to toe -- including the right foot wear! Seriously, the actual three words that will help you succeed at a job fair are: prepare, prepare, prepare!

Professional Appearance

It is the job fair participants, who dress as if they are going to an interview, who have the edge. It is recommended that both men and women wear a business suit in a solid color, such as blue or charcoal. Black can be overpowering, but works well if you soften it with a pastel shirt or blouse. Be sure to pay attention to all details. I will never forget a job fair participant who very appropriately wore a beautiful business suit, but then inappropriately matched his black dress shoes with a pair of white gym socks!

Ladies should wear dress pumps with a sensible heel and, even in AZ, are not completely dressed without hosiery. My last piece of advice, specific to the ladies is all-encompassing: not too low, not too high and not too tight!

In terms of grooming, always be freshly-showered and, for the gentlemen, freshly-shaved. Your teeth should be clean and your breath should be fresh; carry breath mints in your suit pocket. If you use gum to freshen your breat, make sure it is discarded before entering the job fair. In addition, many people are sensitive to heavy scents. So save your cologne or perfume for date night. In short, don’t smell too bad or too good!

Finally, if you are a student, leave your backpack in the classroom. Invest in a briefcase or carry a pad folio under your left arm. Your right hand needs to be available to shake hands with recruiters.

Professional Preparation

Typically, the names of organizations that are participating in a job fair are available before an event. This is your opportunity to research companies and learn what positions are available. Unless you want to look uninformed, never approach a recruiter and ask “what do you do?” or “what jobs do you have?”

It is also important to target your resume to the jobs of interest to you – and to bring plenty of resumes to the job fair. Candidates without a resume are most certainly at a disadvantage and, chances are, there won’t be a convenient place to make copies.

Most importantly, before the job fair, prepare your “one-minute commercial." This is a short introduction of yourself and your background (e.g. education and work experience),  as well as a statement of your purpose in talking with that recruiter. For instance, you might express an interest in an opening and ask for an interview.

Professional Presentation

When meeting employers, be ready to shake hands, look them in the eye and deliver your one-minute commercial. Adding a smile to this mix can go a long way toward communicating your enthusiasm for an opening and, if hired, the energy you will bring to the job.

In addition to the verbal communication, watch for nonverbal clues that will tell you how long to stay at an employer’s booth. The purpose of a job fair is for you to speak with as many employers as you can, in the shortest amount of time. Likewise, an employer wants to connect with a multitude of candidates too. If other job seekers are lined up behind you, or the recruiter’s eyes start to stray, it is time for you to say your farewells and make a graceful exit.

One recent trend in job fairs is that many recruiters are not collecting resumes and, instead, will direct you to submit your employment application online. If this is the case, do not press your resume upon the recruiter, but rather agree to apply online with good nature and end the conversation by asking for their business card. Once a personal connection has been made, follow-up by sending an e-mail, business letter or hand-written note that highlights your qualifications, emphasizes your interest in the job and expresses your appreciation for their consideration. This kind of follow-up, immediately following the job fair, is an excellent way to distinguish yourself from the other participants at the event – and stand out in the crowd!

Karen E. Lamb, M.A.; M.S.I.R.

Karen E. Lamb is a career development professional with over twenty years experience as an administrator in higher education. Her substantial experience in career development includes positions as the Director of Career Services for Elgin Community College in Illinois and Assistant Director of Career Advising and Curriculum for Arizona State University. Karen is certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator.

Karen has served as adjunct faculty teaching career development courses for a number of colleges and universities. In her career, she has delivered countless workshops and presentations on career-related topics.