5 Tips for Standing Out and Getting Hired at a Job Fair

A job fair can be a great opportunity to network with potential employers and get your foot in the door of a company you’re interested in. However, with so many people in one place, it can be tough to make yourself stand out. 

If you’re just handing out your resume and hoping for the best, you’re not going to get very far. To increase your chances of getting hired at a job fair, follow these tips:

1. Do your research: find out which companies will be in attendance and what positions they want to fill. This will help you tailor your approach.

2. Have a professional-looking resume: your resume is your first impression, so make sure it’s good!

3. Dress for success: dress as though you’re going to an interview – first impressions count, after all.

4. Be prepared to answer common interview questions: practice makes perfect, so take the time to brush up on your interview skills.

5. Follow up after

Do Your Research

Doing your research is the key to success in any job search, but it’s especially important at a job fair. Before heading to the job fair, make sure to research which companies will be attending and what roles they’re looking to fill. That way, you can tailor your approach to the employers and make sure you’re applying for the right positions. You should also read up on the companies and their recent news, as well as get an understanding of their company culture and values. Employers are more likely to take notice of applicants that demonstrate their knowledge of the company through thoughtful questions.

Be Confident

Showing confidence is key to standing out in any job search, and a job fair is no different. When talking to employers, stand up straight, make eye contact, and use your best communication skills. Don’t be afraid to showcase your enthusiasm and excitement for the role. Employers are looking for someone that can enthusiastically represent their brand, so make sure you exude confidence and energy when talking to them. 

Be Engaging

A job fair is an opportunity to make a great first impression. Make sure you take the time to talk to employers. Have meaningful conversations and ask questions to show that you are interested in the role and the company. Ask questions about the role and the company culture to demonstrate your enthusiasm. Having a few stories or experiences in mind is also a good idea to make your conversations more engaging.

Have a Pitch Ready

When talking to employers at a job fair, you should always have a “pitch” ready. A good pitch should outline your skills and experience and show how you could benefit the company. It should be about a minute long and should include why you’re the perfect candidate for the role. Make sure you practice your pitch beforehand – being able to deliver it confidently and coherently will show that you’re prepared. 

Wrapping Up

Job fairs can be an intimidating experience, but with the right preparation, you can make sure you stand out. Do your research and practice your pitch beforehand and be confident and engaging when talking to employers. Follow up with the employers afterward to show your interest in the role. With these tips, you’re sure to impress employers and land yourself a job.

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn or her website sldpro.com.

The Importance of RSVPing to an Interview: Tips for Job Seekers

One of the most important things you can do when you receive a job interview request is to RSVP as soon as possible. Your RSVP should include the date, time, and location of the interview, as well as your availability for that day and time. 

RSVPing to a job interview is important for several reasons. It shows that you are interested in the position and that you are willing to make the time to meet with the interviewer. It also shows that you are professional and organized. The sooner you RSVP to a job interview, the better.

Keep reading for tips on how to RSVP to a job interview, as well as what to do if you can’t make the interview.

The Importance of RSVPing

RSVPing to a job interview is a must for any job seeker. It is important to RSVP as soon as you receive the invitation so that the interviewer knows that you are interested and available for the position. It also signals to the recruiter that you are organized and on top of things. All these qualities are important when it comes to building an impression of you in the interviewer’s eyes. RSVPing also allows the interviewer to plan their day accordingly. Not only will they be able to determine their schedule for the day, but they may also need to bring additional materials that are specific to the job you are applying for. If you have RSVP’d, they will know this in advance and can be prepared. 

What is the proper way to RSVP? 

The most appropriate way to RSVP is to send an email. This should include the date, time, and location of the interview, as well as your availability for that time. It is generally a good idea to also mention any additional information that is related to the position, such as the job title and what you know about the company. This shows that you are familiar with the company and the job and that you are eager to learn more. It is also a good idea to thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you and to ask any questions you may have. Your questions should relate to the job, the company, or anything else that you feel might help you better understand the position and determine if it is the right fit for you. 

What are the consequences of not RSVPing? 

Not RSVPing to a job interview can send a few red flags to the interviewer. It can signal that you are not interested in the job and that you have no respect for the interviewer’s time. The interviewer may also think that you are unprofessional and unreliable. If you cannot make it to the job interview after RSVPing, it is important to let the interviewer know as soon as possible. They have set aside time to meet with you, and you should make sure to reschedule it if necessary. If you simply forget to show up without telling the interviewer, they may never want to hear from you again. 

Tips for job seekers

When RSVPing to a job interview, make sure to do so as soon as possible. This establishes your interest in the position and shows the interviewer that you are organized and reliable. Be sure to include all the relevant information such as the date, time, and location, as well as any additional information about the job or the company. If you can’t make it to the interview after RSVPing, make sure to let the interviewer know as soon as possible. Being unprofessional and unreliable can be catastrophic for your job search. You should apologize for any inconvenience you may have caused and offer to reschedule the interview for a later date. By taking the time to properly RSVP to a job interview, you will make a good impression on the interviewer and show that you understand the importance of respect and professionalism. These qualities can be a great asset to any job seeker, so make sure to pay attention to what message your RSVP is sending.

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn or her website sldpro.com.

Writing a Professional Resume

A resume is your first opportunity to make a good impression on an employer. It is essential to make sure that your resume is formatted correctly so that it stands out and highlights your key skills and accomplishments. Here are some tips for formatting your resume for maximum impact.

Keep it Clean and Simple

When writing your resume, it is important to keep the design clean and simple. Aim for a one-page maximum and use a font size that’s easy to read, such as 11 or 12-point font. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs when listing job responsibilities or accomplishments in each role. This will make it easier for the reader to quickly scan through the document and pick up relevant information about you. 

Highlight Your Achievements 

Make sure you include achievements from previous roles, rather than just listing job duties. Employers want to hire someone who can demonstrate they have achieved results in their career so far, so include any metrics or figures wherever possible. For example, if you increased sales at a previous job by 20 percent, list this number in your resume! 

Include Keywords

Research what keywords employers use in job postings related to the role you are applying for and try to incorporate them into your resume where appropriate. This will help ensure your resume gets noticed when employers search through databases of resumes using keyword searches related to the position they are recruiting for. 

Conclusion

Writing an effective resume can be daunting but with these tips, you can ensure that yours stands out from the crowd! Keep it simple and clean, highlight your achievements with metrics where possible, and make sure you include keywords related to the role you are applying for – all these things will help you create an impressive professional resume. Good luck! 

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.

Maximizing Efficiency During the Job Search Process

When you’re searching for a job, staying organized and managing your time efficiently can be just as important as having the right qualifications. That’s because being able to focus on the task at hand and give each step of the job search process its due diligence will help you find a job faster. Here are some tips for maximizing efficiency during your job search.

Set Goals

The first step in any successful job search is to set goals for yourself and create a timeline for when you want to accomplish them. Set actionable goals that are achievable and realistic, such as how many jobs you want to apply for each week or how quickly you want to respond to potential employers. Creating timeline-based goals also helps keep you motivated throughout your job search journey by giving you something concrete to work towards. 

Create a Schedule 

Once you have set your goals, it’s time to create a detailed schedule of when and how you plan on accomplishing them. This schedule should include tasks like researching companies, submitting applications, and responding to employers. Having a daily or weekly schedule will help ensure that all of your tasks get done on time, which can make all the difference in finding employment quickly. 

Prioritize Your Tasks

When creating your schedule, it’s important to prioritize tasks based on importance, urgency, and impact. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first so that they don’t take up too much of your valuable time later on in the process. Also, be sure not to overlook low-priority tasks that still need attention — even though they may not seem urgent now, they could become urgent if left unfinished for too long! 

Conclusion

Managing your time efficiently during a job search is essential if you want to land a position quickly and with minimal stress. Setting goals, creating schedules, and prioritizing tasks can help streamline the process by allowing more time for other important activities like networking, interviewing practice, and skill development workshops. With these tips in mind, you should have no problem getting through your job search process with ease! Good luck! 

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.

How To Find a Job You Love

Do you dread going to work every day? Are you just waiting for the weekend to come so you can forget about your job and enjoy life? If so, then it’s time to find a job that you love! In this blog post, we’re going to explore some tips and tricks on how to find a job that brings meaning and fulfillment into your life.

Set Your Priorities

Before you start looking for a new job, it’s important to set some priorities. What do you want from a job? Are there certain skills or qualities that are important to you in an employer? Setting these expectations in advance will help make sure that when you do find the ideal position, it will be everything that you hoped for. It’s also important to consider what kind of lifestyle you want. Do you prefer working from home or in an office setting? Would part-time hours be better suited for your current needs? Thinking about these questions ahead of time will help ensure that your next job is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. 

Focus On Your Strengths 

When looking for a job, it’s essential to focus on your strengths. Think about what makes you unique and how those skills can be utilized in different positions. For example, if public speaking is one of your strong suits, then look into jobs where those skills would be valued. The same goes for any other specialties or qualifications like leadership experience or technical knowledge – use them as selling points when applying for jobs! 

Network With Other Professionals

Networking with other professionals is another great way to increase your chances of finding a job that fits all of your requirements. Attend industry events, join professional associations and participate in online forums related to your field – all of these activities can help open up doors and give insight into potential opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. Plus, networking with other professionals can also help boost confidence when interviewing for jobs since the more connections you have in an industry, the more likely employers are to trust you with their company’s success! 

Conclusion

Finding a job that brings meaning and fulfillment into your life isn’t always easy but it is possible with the right approach! By setting priorities, focusing on strengths, and networking with other professionals within an industry, anyone can increase their chances of finding a career path they truly enjoy. Best of luck! 

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.

Tips for Showing Energy and Confidence in an Interview

Job interviews can be intimidating, but the key to success is to project an aura of energy and confidence. This will show employers that you are ready and willing to take on the job. Let’s explore how best to display this energy and confidence when interviewing for a job.

Be Prepared 

The most important part of showing energy and confidence in a job interview is being prepared. Make sure you do your research about the company before stepping foot in its office. Know what their business does, who their customers are, and what sets them apart from competitors. Once you have a good understanding of the company, come up with some questions that demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role. Not only will this show that you took initiative by doing your homework, but it will also help you stand out from other candidates vying for the same position. 

Have Positive Body Language 

It’s said that body language speaks louder than words, so make sure yours is saying all the right things during your interview. Keep an open posture with your arms uncrossed and maintain eye contact with your interviewer(s). Having positive body language shows that you are engaged in the conversation, eager to learn more about the role, and confident in yourself as a candidate. 

Be Enthusiastic About Your Skills 

When talking about previous experiences or skills related to the role, go into detail about why these experiences make you well-suited for the job at hand. Be proud of all things you have accomplished throughout your career thus far—it shows potential employers that you have experience doing similar work which makes them more likely to hire you! Additionally, share stories of how you overcame challenges or changed processes for better efficiency—this helps demonstrate leadership potential as well as creativity needed for problem-solving skills. 

Conclusion

It’s no secret that job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences; however, if applicants focus on displaying energy and confidence during their interviews they will be more likely to land their dream job! Remember: always research the company ahead of time; maintain positive body language; talk enthusiastically about experience; and showcase creative problem-solving skills when discussing challenges encountered while working in previous roles. With these tips in mind, any candidate should feel more confident walking into their next interview! 

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.

Mistakes to Avoid During a Job Interview

Job interviews are nerve-wracking, but they don’t have to be. Knowing what not to do during a job interview is half the battle. A successful job interview requires preparation, practice, and poise. Let’s break down the biggest rookie mistakes to avoid in an interview so that you can be confident and present your best self when meeting with potential employers.

Rambling 

When answering questions in an interview, it is important to stay on track and focus on the topic at hand. Rambling will make you sound unorganized and unfocused, which can lead potential employers to doubt your ability to handle the position for which you are applying. Additionally, rambling can make it more difficult for employers to get all the information they need to make a decision about you as a candidate. It’s better if you keep your answers concise and relevant by using examples that demonstrate your capability to do the job. 

Not Being Prepared 

Before any job interview, it is important that you research the company thoroughly. This includes looking into their mission statement, goals, products or services offered, customer base, etc. Doing this research will help you understand how you fit into their organization and demonstrate initiative on your part. Not being prepared also means that you should have at least one copy of your resume printed out and ready for review by the interviewer(s). Additionally, having a few questions ready ahead of time will help show potential employers that you are engaged in the process and interested in learning more about their company culture before making any decisions about employment with them.

Dressing Inappropriately 

When attending an interview for any professional role, it is important that you dress appropriately for the occasion; this means no jeans or sneakers! Dressing professionally shows respect for both yourself and those interviewing you; it also demonstrates that you take pride in your appearance and pay attention to detail. Additionally, dressing professionally will help boost confidence by giving off an air of professionalism which could give employers a favorable impression of who you are as an individual as well as how well-suited you are for the position at hand. 

Conclusion

Job interviews don’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming if applicants come prepared with knowledge of what not to do during an interview process. Avoiding rambling during answers, being prepared with knowledge of the company before the day of arrival, as well as dressing appropriately all go towards making a successful job interview experience from start to finish! Professionals must remember these key points while preparing for their next big opportunity—they may just save themselves from making a major faux pas! 

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.

Ace Your Job Interview with Positivity and Friendliness

It is no secret that job interviews can be daunting. You want to make the best impression possible, so it is important to think about how you present yourself. One way to stand out from the crowd is by being positive and friendly in your interview. Here are some tips on how to do just that.

Be Prepared

The best way to be positive and friendly during a job interview is to be prepared. Read up on the company, review your own qualifications, and practice potential questions you may get asked in the interview. Being prepared will ensure that you have an answer ready for any question thrown your way. Not only will this show your readiness and enthusiasm for the position, but it will also help keep nerves at bay. 

Be Positive 

Positive energy can be felt as soon as you walk into an interview room; use this opportunity to your advantage by exuding positivity in all aspects of the conversation. Speak highly of past experiences and focus on how those experiences have helped develop skills that would benefit this new role. Even if things didn’t always go perfectly in those roles, try to focus on what was learned or achieved instead of focusing on any negatives or failures. Employers want someone who can take away something from every experience they have had, not someone who dwells on mistakes they made along their journey. 

Be Friendly 

Part of being positive is also being friendly – don’t forget to smile! Smiling can really go a long way when it comes to making a good first impression during a job interview; it shows employers that you are comfortable with yourself and confident in your abilities – two key qualities employers look for when hiring new talent! Additionally, don’t forget basic manners such as addressing everyone in the room by name (if you know them) or introducing yourself before getting started if need be; these small details can really add up when it comes time for an employer to decide which candidate gets hired for a role! 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, remember that job interviews are a two-way street – both parties are assessing whether or not they would work well together if hired into a particular role. Showing off your personality is just as important as highlighting why you would be great at a certain job! With proper preparation, positivity, and friendliness in mind, you should have no trouble successfully acing an upcoming job interview! Good luck! 

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.

Number One Interview Tip

A job interview is a two-way street. It’s not just about you showing the company what you can do, but also about showing that company that it would be lucky to have you on its team. Make sure your first impression makes a good one by following these tips. 

Arrive early.

This is a big one, and it’s not just about being fashionably late or making sure that you’re the first person there—it’s about giving yourself some breathing room before the interview begins.

Arriving early gives you time to relax, get organized, and mentally prepare for the questions you’ll be asked (and more importantly, gives you time to come up with answers). It also allows for a little pre-interview chit-chat with whoever happens to be around before your scheduled meeting. And if nothing else, arriving early will show that you’re eager and ready for this opportunity!

Smile!

The best interview tip you can follow is to smile. Smiling makes you look friendly and interested in the job. It also makes you look more approachable and confident, which are key qualities when a hiring manager is trying to decide if they want to hire you. If there’s one thing that will help your interview go smoothly, it’s smiling!

Make eye contact.

This is a big one, and it can be hard to do. It’s important to ensure that you look at your interviewer’s eyes and not anywhere else. Don’t look at the floor, don’t look down, don’t look at your hands (trust us on this one). It can sometimes be helpful to practice before going into an interview so that you know what it feels like when someone is making eye contact with you and what it feels like when they aren’t.

Shake hands with a firm handshake.

You want to make a strong first impression, so you must shake hands firmly and confidently when greeting the interviewer. A limp handshake can be interpreted as nervousness or lack of confidence. However, don’t overdo it either; a bone-crushing grip may cause your interviewer to wince in pain and regret ever asking you to interview with them in the first place!

In the United States, a handshake, rather than a bow, salaam, wai, or kiss, is the way we greet others. Both men and women shake hands, and either may offer their hand first. There are four steps to a handshake in Global Business & Social Dining Etiquette: RSVP to thank-you notes & everything in between (Ruiz, E. A., pp 27-28).

In some cultures, touching hands is offensive or may be prohibited between men and women. If this is the case, smile and use an alternate gesture, such as a slight bow of your head. Make sure you greet the person respectfully and with genuine enthusiasm. Convey with words what the handshake would have expressed: “I am so glad to meet you.” 

The United States-based organizations employ people of various cultures and often do business in many parts of the world. It’s a global economy and we have diplomatic relations with many countries which have customs that all professionals should know. While you might not be getting on a plane tomorrow, global handshake knowledge will make a difference when meeting and greeting others in the international arena. When in doubt, follow your host’s lead in meet-and-greet gatherings. 

Let’s review.

  • Arrive early. Getting to the interview before the scheduled time will give you time to relax, focus and prepare yourself mentally. If possible, arrive even earlier than expected.
  • Smile! Smiling shows that you are happy and confident in yourself and your abilities. It also softens your facial features and makes you appear more approachable.
  • Make eye contact with everyone who greets you during the interview process including receptionists, administrative assistants, other people waiting to be interviewed or waiting for interviews themselves, etc. The reason for this is simple: people will remember how much eye contact they made with others by looking at their body language during introductions after an event like an interview or networking event
  • Extend your hand for a handshake when introducing yourself or being introduced. Always stand when you’re introduced or are introducing other people to each other. You’re expected to shake hands when ending a transaction or leaving a business or social event. 

Conclusion

It’s true, first impressions do count. The image you project when meeting someone for the first time can be permanent. I hope this article has helped you to prepare for your next interview. 

There is an entire chapter dedicated to tips and guidelines of a handshake in Global Business & Social Dining Etiquette: RSVP to thank-you notes & everything in between (Ruiz, E. A., pp. 27-37). Order the book here or go to Amazon.com.

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

image of jobs

The 4 P’s of the Job Search

If you took marketing in college you may remember being taught the Four P’s of Marketing — price, product, promotion and place. They are the fundamental elements of a marketing campaign. 

Well, a job search also has four P’s to remember; 

  • Personal
  • Positioning
  • Promotion
  • Persistence

These are the building blocks of a proper job search. Focusing on them will yield greater results as your job hunt unfolds.

Personal

The first of our P’s has to do with defining who you are. 

  • What are your skills and abilities? 
  • What are your career goals? 
  • Where do you want to work and whom do you want to work for?

Answering these questions is an essential step to beginning your marketing plan. The answers will shape how you promote yourself on your résumé, in the interview and beyond. 

Positioning

This classic marketing term is perhaps the single most important element of your marketing campaign. Positioning yourself means identifying how employers see you as a potential employee. The key questions to ask yourself are: What makes me different from the other job seekers? How will I improve the company? How will I increase its profits?

If you do not come up with your own answers to these questions, then the employer has no idea how hiring you will benefit them. This is perhaps the number one mistake I see in job seekers today. They have no idea how to position themselves in the marketplace. Their résumés are merely a listing of jobs rather than a list of accomplishments. In interviews, their responses are dull and convey no relationship to the job in question.

To Do Item:

Answer these questions. How will you differ? What value will you bring to the company?

Use your answers to create a two to three sentence positioning statement. This will help the recruiter to quickly understand how you can fill the company’s needs. Your positioning statement will be needed later as you prepare the Profile section of your résumé.

Example Positioning Statement for a Technical Support Specialist

“My value to [ insert company name] is my five years of information technology experience. I am adept at technical support and troubleshooting computer problems. My technical knowledge will help reduce call waiting times and improve the image of your technical support center.”

Example Positioning Statement for a Sales Manager

“I will increase your revenues by mentoring your sales staff in effective selling techniques and by forging relationships with key decision makers in your target market.” 

Promotion

Promoting yourself in the job market involves a mix of online and offline opportunities. Your friends, family, professional contacts and the Internet will all play a role in this work.

Your résumé becomes your primary promotional tool through which you will advertise your availability. Therefore, it must be a professional looking document that is clear, concise and well-designed. Later, we will discuss your résumé preparation in more detail.

Persistence

This is the one intangible aspect of any job search. How much effort you put in directly affects how many interviews and job offers you will get.

The one thing you cannot do in your job search is give up. A winning attitude and the ability to keep yourself motivated is paramount to finding and landing the job you want.

Persistence takes on many forms. These include sending your résumé via e-mail and as a hard copy, then following up with a phone call. It is checking back with target companies every few months to see if they are hiring again. It is dedicating yourself to finding a job not just for a few hours a week, but for at least twenty to thirty hours per week.

Consider the case of Gina Salwicki of Roxbury, Massachusetts. After being laid off, the 58-year-old woman targeted a new retirement community being built nearby as the place where she wanted to work next.

She applied for and was offered a role in customer service, but she declined the offer because she thought it didn’t pay enough. A few days later she was invited back to interview for another position but did not get that one because she was too inexperienced. Some weeks later she applied for two other positions and was again rejected.

But she didn’t give up. She applied yet again for a facilities coordinator position. The company was impressed by her attitude after she became a fixture in the firm’s waiting room. She finally got a job. She has now been there for over three years and was recently promoted. Persistence does pay.

Author: Chris Russell is the editor of RecruitingHeadlines, the news and information site for the recruiting industry.