Attending the Jefferson County Job Fair can be a little nerve-racking, but Jefferson College employment specialists said preparation can make all the difference.
Lora Warner, the college’s director of workforce and employment services, said job seekers should start to prepare at least a week before the fair, which will be held from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at the Fox C-6 Service Center, 849 Jeffco Blvd., in Arnold.
“One of the most important things is to consider what to wear,” Warner said.
Jenna Schwartz, a student services specialist at the college, said job seekers probably want to dress a step above what people normally wear to work every day.
“You’re going to want to make sure you are professionally dressed, but not to the point where it’s distracting,” she said. “You want to be able to let the employer or whoever you’re speaking with focus on you, not on what you’re wearing.”
If you are worried about finding the right outfit, Jefferson College has a career closet for people who might not have something to wear or need help picking the proper attire.
Schwartz said it can help to pick out an outfit the night before to ease “morning anxieties.”
Warner said preparing an updated resume also is extremely important.
“So things to consider when you’re writing your resume is really the type of job you’re applying for,” she said. “If you can tailor your resume to the jobs you want, then that employer is going to see what they need quickly and be able to determine if you’re going to be a good fit for them.”
Focusing on skill sets is important, Warner said.
Schwartz said another key to having success at the Job Fair is to develop a “game plan” and decide who you want to speak with at the job fair. She suggests making a list of those you want to meet with.
Warner said an “elevator pitch” – a short introduction of yourself and your skills – also is something job seekers need to prepare.
“We usually recommend practicing your introduction the night before or even a few days before to get yourself ready and build your confidence,” she said.
An elevator pitch needs to include your name, past work history, education background, and what type of job you are seeking.
“Practicing that out loud is going to help you with your confidence as you approach employers on the day of the job fair,” Warner said.
At the fair
After checking in at the Job Fair, Schwartz recommends attendees take a lap around the booths to get comfortable in the environment.
Warner advises those who attend the Job Fair to only bring what they need.
“Obviously, you want to bring those resumes you printed out, but you don’t want to have a whole lot of bulky things like a backpack or a big bag,” she said.
Schwartz also warns against collecting too many promotional items because it can send a message that you are just there for free items.
Warner said attendees don’t need to shake hands with prospective employers if they are not comfortable with it.
“If you want a handshake, and you feel like the employer is open to it, do it,” she said. “If not, it is not going to be held against you.”
Warner said it’s important, though, for job seekers to look engaged with their body language.
For more tips, watch a video about attending the Job Fair at jeffcojobfair.com.