Be prepared for Fanshawe's Career Fair

Come to ‘J' Gymnasium on Tuesday, February 13 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to check out Career Fair 2007. Fanshawe's Career Services department is hosting this event for you! Approximately 150 employers will be on campus to discuss career opportunities and to ultimately hire for both summer and permanent opportunities. It's a rare chance for you to meet employers on your turf and see what they have to offer. It's also a great way to find out what kind of career you want to pursue and with what company.

Did you know that the “Help Wanted” ads found in newspapers or on various Internet job sites represent only about 20 per cent of actual positions available? Eighty percent of openings never get advertised and are considered to be in the hidden job market. These are positions that employers hope to fill through personal contact, as they like to work with someone they know or someone who has been recommended to them.

How can you get access to the hidden job market? Career and job fairs provide great opportunities for job seekers. Recruiters set up information booths, hoping to meet and attract many qualified workers all at once. These one-stop booths provide you with a terrific chance to gather information, meet with potential employers and, most important, make those crucial personal contacts that could lead to a job.

10 steps for Career Fair success

1. Dress and groom well to make a good impression when meeting employer representatives.

2. Find out what companies will be participating in the Career Fair, and research their industry.

3. Always act professionally. Avoid casual behaviour with company recruiters. Be prepared to speak knowledgeably about their industry.

4. Never bring food or drinks to recruiting tables.

5. Know what you plan to say about your qualifications and your program of study. Practice your interviewing techniques before you attend the Career Fair. Don't overstay your welcome with anyone recruiter. Spend 10 to 15 minutes maximum talking to an individual employer.

6. Use your time wisely. Visit the employers that you are most interested in first. Then explore opportunities with as many companies as you can.

7. Bring a supply of resumes. If your resume is two pages or more in length, staple all pages together. Bring an organizer or file folder to keep information ready and available.

8. Always get the correct spelling and pronunciation of the name of the employer representatives and anyone else you are told to contact.

9. Carefully write down and maintain follow-up instructions given by the employer representative.

10. Send thank you letters to company representatives for job leads or interviews.

Need assistance to prepare for Career Fair 2007? Why not drop by the Career Services office located in Room F2010, the Career Services staff are available to assist you on an individual basis. Visit the office to arrange an appointment with the consultant responsible for your program or call 452-4294.