Job Fair Tips for Jobseekers

If you are planning on attending our big job fair coming up on March 28th, or any job fair around Pittsburgh, there are simple steps you can take to benefit the most from the time you’ve invested. Some of these may seem like common sense but you may be amazed how many attendees don’t follow these simple tips.
Our biggest single complaint we hear from company representative’s concern proper attire. Though a nice suit and tie will always make the best first impression, even clean and neat “business casual” will work wonders over what some people seem to think is appropriate. NEVER wear jeans or tee-shirts. Even for entry level hourly positions like restaurant/hospitality or housekeeping, employers will judge you by the clothes you wear. Making the effort to look nice will go a long way in getting a second interview and a chance for success.
Next would be to have a nice resume put together. Even if you have never used one before and don’t know where to start to create one, there are resources available, some free some for a fee, that will either show you how or actually create one for you. Two organizations that come to mind that can help in this area are PA Careerlink (the state employment offices) and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. Contact them and the results will be fast!
Third, don’t be afraid to press some flesh and smile at the job fair. Even recruiters are human and always respond well to professionally friendly people like you. Shake hands and show your pearly whites! This will help you stand out from the many other jobseekers they have seen that day. Make eye contact and speak with confidence. Show them they can believe in you because you do!
Finally, don’t be afraid to use a job fair as a “practice interview”. Use this time to hone your skills at speaking about yourself. Even more important, use this time to practice asking questions and showing interest in the people and companies you meet with. This will improve your confidence when the time comes for a one-on-one interview with any potential employer.
Following these easy tips will greatly improve your chances of landing a job that excites you. They are effective at breaking the barrier between you and your perfect job. If you are in the midst of a job search we invite down to our job fair at the US Steel building on March 28th from 10:30 AM to 3:00PM. There will be 25-30 companies looking for many different types of positions. It’s free to attend and who knows, it just may change your life for the better. It’s all about opportunity!