At a job fair it’s important to dress the part to make a good first impression. Visit the Vancouver Northeast WorkBC Employment Services Centre ahead of time to find tips on writing resumes and cover letters, and interview and networking skills.

MOSAIC is hosting its 6th Annual Career & Job Fair on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Croatian Cultural Centre located at 3250 Commercial Drive.

Career fairs offer job seekers a unique opportunity to meet employers face-to-face, create a positive impression, and make meaningful personal connections that are impossible when submitting a resume online.

Here are some tips on how to connect effectively with employers and get the most out of a job fair.

Before the job fair

• Determine which of the businesses participating in the fair match your career objective. Make a list of your target employers based on their needs and your skills and interests.
• Visit the websites of participating employers you have pre-selected to find out about their job opportunities and company culture. The research will help you figure out if the company is a good match for you.
• Use the information from your research to develop a list of questions you’d like to ask employers. Employers are looking to hire people who are polite, proactive and equipped with a positive attitude and good listening skills. Stand out from the crowd by asking thoughtful, smart questions. Don’t ask questions for which the answers are readily available online.
• Prepare your resume and make sure that you have plenty of copies ready. Prepare different versions of resumes tailoring each to a targeted employer and career objective.
• Most employers prefer that you apply online before the job fair. It also allows you to cast a wider net, as many companies are hiring for a variety of positions at multiple locations and this way your application will be seen by more hiring managers within the company.

Furthermore, by taking the extra step in preparing for the job fair, it shows prospective employers your commitment and interest in working at their company. This does not mean that you are wasting your time by attending the job fair; employer representatives are taking note of candidates they are interested in, so be sure you make a good first impression.

• Come prepared. Bring a simple notepad and pen to take notes and a folder to keep your resumes organized and ready to hand out.
• Visit the Vancouver Northeast WorkBC Employment Services Centre to find tip sheets or workshops on topics such as resume and cover letter skills, interview skills and networking skills to help you prepare with putting your best foot forward.
• Prepare a 20- to 30-second introduction to use with employers. The introduction should be a concise and well-presented message that quickly provides just enough information about you to generate the listener’s interest and attention, and set the stage for meaningful conversation.

At the job fair

• Dress the part. First impressions are important and send an immediate message regarding how serious you are in your job search. Clothing should be clean and pressed; business casual is appropriate for most jobs.
• Take time to interact with the employers you’ve targeted. Deliver your resume and take the time to make a positive first impression on the employer by showing interest in their needs.
• To appear confident and knowledgeable about the company, demonstrate your knowledge by asking questions that are specific to a position or department you’re interested in. Tell the employer how your skill-set matches their requirements.
• Watch your body language. A firm handshake and eye contact are important. Good manners are critical to making a good impression; employers always appreciate someone who is dedicated, conscientious and attentive.
• Be friendly and stay on topic. Job fairs can be noisy, so speak clearly and with confidence.
• After talking to each representative, ask for a business card and use the back of the card to record notes to help you remember important details and follow-up instructions. If no card is available, record their contact information and your comments in your notepad.

 After the job fair

• Follow up with thank you notes or emails a day or two after the job fair. Thank the employers for taking the time to meet with you, review key points from your conversation and add any new information. Don’t forget to attach your resume and follow up a week or two later to see if opportunities are available for you within their organization.

For more information on how to prepare for a job fair or other job search tips and information please contact the Vancouver Northeast WorkBC Employment Services Centre at 604-708-9300 or visit www.employmentworks.ca