Comments on: Career Fairs: What The Heck Do I Do? http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/ Your Professional Development Thu, 17 May 2012 06:48:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: TWIB: This Week in Blogs | Mr. Gary Lee http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-9875 TWIB: This Week in Blogs | Mr. Gary Lee Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:04:29 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-9875 [...] CareerRamlings.com - Career Fairs: What the Heck do I do? - This is another great article for the newly graduated. I remember when I was in my last year at [...] [...] CareerRamlings.com - Career Fairs: What the Heck do I do? - This is another great article for the newly graduated. I remember when I was in my last year at [...]

]]> By: gpaskill http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-2281 gpaskill Fri, 13 Apr 2007 19:30:07 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-2281 I never take copies of my resume to a job fair. Instead, the real objective when we are constantly blocked by Caller ID and gatekeepers is to meet more people and establish "new relationships," from employers to fellow job seekers. Learning of a lead or recommending someone for a position creates human capital and equity. It's a form of building reciprocity and courtesy. (I'd actually go so far to say it's a bit arrogant to proclaim "Here I come to save the day with white-knight suit and tie and resume" when I haven't even bothered getting to know you and your needs, further exacerbating the modern-day employer claim that so few bother researching companies any more.) I've found it a lot more effective to get to know the employers there (recruiters and hiring managers), find out what they want, get their contact information, and touch base again 1 week later offering to send materials then. And if you really make an impact, you'll hear the employer say they're no longer interested in you as a piece of paper, they're far more interested in you (as it should be.) Job fairs can wisely help you remove the stranger factor while also obtaining exclusive access after what many have termed a "meat market." Additionally, reconnecting afterwards is a great way to differentiate yourself. I never take copies of my resume to a job fair.

Instead, the real objective when we are constantly blocked by Caller ID and gatekeepers is to meet more people and establish “new relationships,” from employers to fellow job seekers. Learning of a lead or recommending someone for a position creates human capital and equity. It’s a form of building reciprocity and courtesy. (I’d actually go so far to say it’s a bit arrogant to proclaim “Here I come to save the day with white-knight suit and tie and resume” when I haven’t even bothered getting to know you and your needs, further exacerbating the modern-day employer claim that so few bother researching companies any more.)

I’ve found it a lot more effective to get to know the employers there (recruiters and hiring managers), find out what they want, get their contact information, and touch base again 1 week later offering to send materials then. And if you really make an impact, you’ll hear the employer say they’re no longer interested in you as a piece of paper, they’re far more interested in you (as it should be.)

Job fairs can wisely help you remove the stranger factor while also obtaining exclusive access after what many have termed a “meat market.” Additionally, reconnecting afterwards is a great way to differentiate yourself.

]]> By: Friday’s Finds - 03/23/2007 » derrich.com - crude, yet refined http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-2027 Friday’s Finds - 03/23/2007 » derrich.com - crude, yet refined Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:44:23 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-2027 [...] case any of you are on the job hunt, particularly the college student body, here are some helpful job fair tips from Jane and John Anthony over at [...] [...] case any of you are on the job hunt, particularly the college student body, here are some helpful job fair tips from Jane and John Anthony over at [...]

]]> By: Zaib Kaleem http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-1822 Zaib Kaleem Fri, 23 Mar 2007 21:50:37 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-1822 Another way to stand out and look very serious about position is to come prepared with a 90 day/180 day plan. This is usually more appropriate for experienced hires who know what the day to day requirements of job are and want to show how they plan to get familiar with companies way of doing business. Another way to stand out and look very serious about position is to come prepared with a 90 day/180 day plan. This is usually more appropriate for experienced hires who know what the day to day requirements of job are and want to show how they plan to get familiar with companies way of doing business.

]]> By: Zaib Kaleem http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-1821 Zaib Kaleem Fri, 23 Mar 2007 21:45:58 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-1821 A trick in used in my college job fair days was to carry a few personal "business cards" with phone number, email, etc. People are very comfortable with exchanging business cards. If you offer someone your card they will usually hand one back to you too without even thinking. Now you will have direct contact info for person instead of having to deal generic human resource phone number/email address. A trick in used in my college job fair days was to carry a few personal “business cards” with phone number, email, etc. People are very comfortable with exchanging business cards. If you offer someone your card they will usually hand one back to you too without even thinking. Now you will have direct contact info for person instead of having to deal generic human resource phone number/email address.

]]> By: MODE - A Vehicle For Change http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-1820 MODE - A Vehicle For Change Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:07:08 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-1820 [...] Career Ramblings has a great post today about 9 steps to career fair success. Before you do that, though, sharpen your axy with this other piece on resume [...] [...] Career Ramblings has a great post today about 9 steps to career fair success. Before you do that, though, sharpen your axy with this other piece on resume [...]

]]> By: Jane http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-1819 Jane Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:48:59 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-1819 Great point Jason! I would encourage everyone to go to as many different career fairs so that you cast a wider cast of possibilities. Great point Jason! I would encourage everyone to go to as many different career fairs so that you cast a wider cast of possibilities.

]]> By: Jason Alba http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-1818 Jason Alba Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:51:53 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-1818 Excellent advice on how to have success at a career fair. One thing I learned is know what kind of employers are going to be there. Its sounds simple but here's an example (personal experience): Big school, awesome employers. Community college - ... um, not employers with career paths I was looking for. Remember you can go to various career fairs, not just career fairs that YOUR university puts on. Jason Alba CEO - <a href="http://www.JibberJobber.com" rel="nofollow">JibberJobber.com</a> Excellent advice on how to have success at a career fair. One thing I learned is know what kind of employers are going to be there. Its sounds simple but here’s an example (personal experience):

Big school, awesome employers.

Community college - … um, not employers with career paths I was looking for.

Remember you can go to various career fairs, not just career fairs that YOUR university puts on.

Jason Alba
CEO - JibberJobber.com

]]> By: Jane http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-1808 Jane Fri, 23 Mar 2007 06:20:32 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-1808 You never know, you can get there early, look at who is there and what they are offering, find a computer to access your email where you have your resume and cover letter stored then make sure a printer is connected and print it on the spot with the specific information for the company. Now THAT will impress them :P You never know, you can get there early, look at who is there and what they are offering, find a computer to access your email where you have your resume and cover letter stored then make sure a printer is connected and print it on the spot with the specific information for the company. Now THAT will impress them :P

]]> By: santosh p http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-1806 santosh p Fri, 23 Mar 2007 05:45:55 +0000 http://www.careerramblings.com/2007/03/22/career-fairs-what-the-heck-do-i-do/#comment-1806 One can always write a cover letter stating the company's name. :) that would truly wow the company HRs One can always write a cover letter stating the company’s name. :) that would truly wow the company HRs

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