The Hiring Fair returns and local employers are looking for you! Plan on attending the Career Centre’s 2022 Hiring Fair, Thursday April 7th from 12:30pm-3:30pm at the Qualicum & District Curling Club, 644 Memorial Ave. in Qualicum Beach and keep on reading for tips to make sure you arrive prepared!
Find out which employers are currently registered: https://www.careercentre.org/hiring-fair/
Below are eight tips for success as you prepare for the Career Fair!
Step 1: Attend the ‘How to Prepare for a Hiring Fair’ workshop. Learn networking strategies so you can feel confident when you meet face-to-face with employers. Understand what you need to prepare in advance, to plan your strategy during the event and have a plan for follow-up after the Hiring Fair. Register for a session here: https://www.careercentre.org/workshops-events/
Step 2: Dress for Success. This is no different than attending a job interview at an employer’s place of business, so you need to dress appropriately, Business Casual is the standard: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-business-casual-attire-2061168
Step 3: Research Registered Employers. You can get a step ahead of the competition by consulting the list of companies attending the fair and doing some research on each of the employers that interest you. Check the employer’s website and pay attention to the organization’s values and mission statement; you can find out a lot about a company by doing research online and come prepared with a list of questions to ask. Did you know there are over 65 employer profiles on the Employer of the Month section of our website?
Step 4: Bring Several Copies of Your Resume. Bring a folder with you containing a list of the employers you want to meet with and several copies of your resume, cover letter (addressed to each specific employer) and your references (although it is more appropriate to provide these following an interview – but you could be offered an on-the-spot interview). Be prepared to hand out additional resumes to employers not on your list. (There are over 50 employers in the room!) If you need assistance with creating/updating your resume be sure to attend the Career Centre’s Resumes and Cover Letters workshop prior to the Hiring Fair.
Step 5: Be Prepared for an Interview. You may have two to five minutes with an employer so come prepared to market yourself, knowing what you would like to say helps you make the most of your time. Developing a one-minute “elevator speech” to highlight your qualifications is a great idea. For more information on marketing yourself, consider the Career Centre’s Branding “YOU” and/or Acing the Interview workshops.
Step 6: Network! Network! Network! Practice making eye contact as you speak with the employers to assist in making a good first impression. Although you may be nervous, a Hiring Fair is a great opportunity to connect with employers and practice – so try to push yourself to connect with as many people as you can.
Step 7: Collect Contact Information. Write down the name of the person and company you are interested in and their contact information or make sure to get a business card from them. This will support you with Step 8.
Step 8: Send a Thank-you Note. Stay ahead of your competition by sending a thank you note or an e-mail to your employers of choice the next day. If you do this via e-mail, make sure it is in proper business language; no jargon, abbreviations or spelling mistakes.
A reminder the Career Centre’s Hiring Fair is a free event for job seekers to connect with local employers. For information on upcoming workshops or to register, call 250-248-3205. We look forward to seeing you on April 7th!
