If you’re looking for a new job, you’re in luck because the first-ever Jefferson County Job Fair is just around the corner – from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Fox C-6 Service Center, 849 Jeffco Blvd., in Arnold.
But for best results, try to come prepared.
Lora Warner, an employment specialist with Jefferson College, said attending a job fair is a great way to start your search.
Job fairs give you the opportunity to “submit your resume to companies you have been trying to contact; get information on unfamiliar employers; network with employers and other job seekers; and gain experience with meeting and talking with employers,” Warner said.
In short, job fairs are a great place to make connections and get ready for your job hunt. Sometimes you even have the chance to apply for a job, interview for it and land the job at a fair, she said.
A little advance work on your part will enhance the experience, Warner said.
“It’s like anything else; you have to prepare for a job fair, just like you have to prepare to apply for a job or an interview,” she said.
Warner has prepared a presentation she gives to job seekers that provides advice for what they should do before, during and after a job fair.
Here are some of her tips:
Before the fair
■ Find out what businesses will be there and research those that interest you.
■ Know why you want to work for their organization.
■ Know your skill set and experience and prepare a 30-second speech to introduce yourself to employers.
■ Have other people proofread your resume, at least twice.
■ Develop some questions you’d like to ask employers.
■ In addition to copies of your resume, Warner said you’ll also need to bring some items with you when you attend a fair, including pens and paper and a “cheat sheet” with information that will help you quickly fill out applications.
■ She said it’s also important to dress professionally.
At the fair
■ It’s important to make a good impression, so when meeting a potential employer or recruiter, make eye contact, give a firm handshake, smile and be polite.
■ When you talk with the employers, introduce yourself, explain what you like about their companies and what you have to offer them as an employee.
■ Get recruiters’ business cards and make a list of the employers you spoke with and take notes about what you talked about.
After the fair
■ Follow up with recruiters you met with a thank-you note to remind them who you are and why you’d be a good employee and to ask for another opportunity to talk to them about a job.
■ You also may follow up with a phone call.
■ If recruiters asked you to apply online, make sure you follow up and fill out those applications.