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How to stand out at a job fair

‘When you’re in job search mode, you have to sell yourself’

Robert C. Reed

Mary-Ann Dore, president of Act2Consulting, helps job seekers Wednesday. Dore advised those at the seminar to identify three key strengths they possess and be prepared to discuss how those strengths could benefit a company.

By John Dayberry | Hickory Daily Record

Published: March 4, 2009

HICKORY - Keith Padgett is poised and confident.

He knows how to dress for success and has an updated, error-free resume at the ready.

The 51-year-old Icard man, who was downsized from a job as a project manager with Louisiana Pacific in January, feels well-equipped to continue his employment search at next week's Job Fair 2009, but is taking no chances.

Padgett joined about 30 people Wednesday at a free seminar designed to help job seekers stand out from the crowd at Tuesday's job fair at Catawba Valley Community College.

"I already knew most of this, but it's good to have a refresher," Padgett said.

"I want to be prepared."

Exactly, said Mary-Ann Dore, seminar leader and president of Act2 Consulting, a Hickory-based business that provides career transition tools and strategies.

"When you're in job search mode, you have to sell yourself," Dore said. "No one else is going to do it for you."

During the two-hour seminar at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, Dore advised participants how to best prepare for a job fair, get the most from the event and effectively follow through with contacts made there.

She said job fairs provide great opportunities.

"You'll meet recruiters and learn more about their companies, and you'll gain confidence and build interviewing skills," Dore said. "You'll also build a network of people who you can help and who can help you. That's what networking is all about."

BEFORE THE EVENT

The most important thing people should do in preparation for a job fair is to scope out the companies that will participate, Dore said.

In the case of the CVCC event, a list of participating companies can be viewed at www.cvcc.edu.

People should identify companies that interest them, and then research those companies on the Internet, Dore said. In addition to company Web sites, helpful information can be found through Google searches, at Hoovers.com and at Vault.com, she said.

Such research can help applicants prepare questions they want to ask about the companies as well as answers as to why they would be assets to those companies.

People should prepare and practice an "elevator speech," Dore said. This is a short — 30 to 60 seconds — introduction telling a recruiter about an applicant's skills and qualifications in a positive and memorable way.

In preparation for meeting with recruiters, Dore advised job seekers to identify three key strengths they possess and to be prepared to discuss how those strengths could benefit the company. Such strengths could include adaptability, a penchant for precision and ability to be a team player.

"Be proud of what you have to offer, and match your assets to the needs of the companies," she said.

Among the "tools" people need to take to a job fair are business or networking cards, resumes, a notebook, several pens and a briefcase or folder.

Networking cards are similar to business cards, but contain personal contact information and a short "branding statement" that describes a person's specialty. They can be ordered at printers or online at such sites as VistaPrint.com.

Make sure the resume is up to date and free of errors, Dore said. In addition to standard resumes, she said, it is also a good idea to have scanner-friendly resumes, which are free of unusual fonts and symbols.

All personal contact information should include an e-mail address that appears professional, she said.

"Partyanimal@gmail.com is not something you want on your resume or networking card," she said.

Similarly, Dore said people looking for a job should make sure their voice mail messages sound professional, and that anyone at home who might answer the phone is coached on how to do so properly.

AT THE JOB FAIR

Dore said people attending a job fair should wear business attire and tone down jewelry and makeup.

Arrive early, put cell phones on vibrate mode, and make the rounds alone, not with friends, she said.

When meeting company representatives, make eye contact, smile and shake hands firmly, Dore said.

After talking, shake the recruiter's hand again, say "thank you" and ask what the next step in the application process will be, Dore said.

Throughout the job fair, talk with people and exchange cards, she said.

"You never know when that person you're talking with in line may be able to help you," Dore said.

FOLLOW UP

Dore said one of the most common mistakes people make is not following up after a job fair.

Always send a thank-you note to recruiters within 24 hours, she said. The note should express appreciation, enthusiasm and continued interest in the job.

"Include another copy of your resume, and specify a time that you will contact them," Dore said.
"Then do it. Following up will help you stand out."

JoAnna Payne, a 29-year-old interior designer who recently relocated to the area from Florida, said Wednesday's seminar would help her put her best foot forward at next week's job fair.

"It's nice to get the high points in two hours rather than spending two days researching all this," Payne said.

"I want to be ready."

UPCOMING JOB FAIRS:

• Job Fair 2009 is from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Multipurpose Complex at Catawba Valley Community College on U.S. 70, SE. The free event is open to the public.

A list of participating companies can be viewed at www.cvcc.edu.

• Job fairs for the new Target regional distribution center are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 19-21 at the facility on N.C. 10 in Newton. No interviews will be conducted or hiring decisions made at the Target job fairs. All applicants will be considered equally, no matter which of the three events they attend. Candidates are encouraged to apply prior to the job fairs at www.Target.com/careers.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Business or networking cards

• Resumes

• A notebook

• Pens

• A briefcase or folder