How To "Do" Career Fairs!  By Career Coach, Ernie D" Antonio, CareerConnection

MARKETING YOURSELF

When you're looking for a job, you need to think of yourself as an entrepreneur and the product you're marketing is yourself.  That means you must understand your skill sets so you'll be able to talk comfortably about yourself to prospective employers and clearly communicate what you have to offer them.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before you attend a job fair, you should research the companies that will attend and focus on those in the field you're interested in.  If you have a general idea about what they are looking for, you'll be able to tell a recruiter how you can meet one or more of their company's specific needs.

HAVE A BUSINESS CARD

You can make your own very easily today with one of many computer programs and a printer.  All you need is a card with your name, phone number and email address.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Wear what is "in" from a business standpoint.  If you're not sure how to pull your look together, research annual reports online or check business and trade magazines in the library to see how successful people dress.

IT'S ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE

Image begins with how people view themselves internally.  If you feel good about yourself, you're going to walk a bit taller and project more confidence.  Over 50% of communication is non-verbal, so it's very important to walk with your head held high, like you know you should be there.

COMMUNICATE CLEARLY

This is a very basic, but still important:  when you speak to prospective employers at the job fair, use proper grammar, pronounce words correctly and speak slowly.  When you introduce yourself, don't say your name with a rising inflection at the end like it's a question mark - say your name as if you're ending with a period.

BE ENTHUSIASTIC

Always remember that being enthusiastic about who you are and what you have to offer if critical.  You don't have to be a cheerleader, bouncing off the walls, but you should be passionate about what you can bring to a company.  People like to work with those who are excited about what they do.

Contact Information:

For additional information, contact the Student Employment Services Office at (757) 822-7228 or stop by the office, Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach Campus, 1700 College Crescent, Kempsville Building, Room D-105.