The Importance of Job Expos and Career Fairs
The methods for finding suitable employees are shifting in today’s world of recruiting. Job expos and career fairs are becoming a more frequent way of entry level recruiting and initial screening. It is convenient for the hiring managers, as well as for the eager job seekers.
For corporate recruiters, these events are an opportunity to reach interviewing velocity. It gives them a chance to meet up with the highest possible number of prospects in the shortest amount of time. Job fairs provide a “freebie” opportunity to connect with multiple employers, firsthand, all in a single day, and in one convenient location, especially for job seekers such as graduating students, recently laid-off individuals, or housewives and mothers, planning to return to the work force.
Job fairs are scheduled throughout the year, and range from ‘real life’ multi-employer events in locations such as large hotels, conference centers, and major shopping malls, to online virtual fairs. Attending a job fair is like going to an initial job interview and ‘first impressions’ are of the upmost importance. Prepare yourself thoroughly before attending the event. Think about your strong points, qualities that stand out, and the reasons why an employer should pick you over someone else. Know what your career goals are, what you would like to do, and your relevant skills. Remember, you have to market yourself, and like with any other sale’s job, you have to be able to answer all the questions that may possibly come up. As strange as it sounds, you will have to sell yourself!
Job fairs are always announced weeks in advance. That will give you enough time to research attending companies, their products, goals and what they are all about. Plan who you want to see, where they will be located in the building (if a map is available) and arrive early. Plan extra check-in time, parking and getting orientated with the floor plan.
Dress professionally, style your hair conservatively, and – for the girls – wear minimal makeup. Wear classy, but comfortable shoes. Expect to wait, stand in line frequently, and to walk lots. Take a nice portfolio, or briefcase to hold your resumes and any business, or company literature you pick up that day. Bring an ample supply of resumes to hand out when you are meeting with the various companies.
Do not be shy. While you are waiting in line, talk to other job seekers. They may know of opportunities you may be unaware of. Always be calm, composed and polite. Do not appear impatient, but shake hands and introduce yourself to recruiters properly, when you finally reach their table. Act interested and show that you surveyed their company. Be enthusiastic, smile and ask questions about their job opportunities. Potential employers like employees who show an interest and display a positive attitude. Pay attention to the questions you are being asked and answer to the point and, before you know it, you will be walking out the door with a hand full of possible job offers.
Types of Job Interviews
Nothing in life is simple, and that also seems to be the general rule when it comes to job interviews. The times when job seekers met with potential employers and walked out half an hour later, holding a work contract in their hand, are long past. The hiring process has changed drastically in the last decade, and today, an applicant may have to go through two or three interviews before he or she will even receive an invitation to visit the company in person, and meet the hiring manager(s) face to face.
Job seekers may be confronted with several types of job interviews during the hiring process, all conducted for a specific reason. The phone interview is a remote job confrontation and often is the first point of employment screening. It can be used to size up candidates, and their qualifications. This will help narrow down the pool of applicants who will later be invited for in-person interviews. Do not be surprised if there is more than one telephone interview. Sometimes several levels of management may call you to test your skills, and evaluate your potential ‘fit’ to their team. This type of screening can also be used as a way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.
The preliminary screening interview is the most common way of ‘getting to know’ contenders, and it focuses on eliminating as many unsuitable candidates as possible, leaving only the cream of the crop. During such an interview, the job seeker will get together with a screening person who, if the applicant meets the requested requirements, will arrange a follow-up interview with the actual hiring authority. Other times, hiring managers may conduct the preliminary interviews themselves. There is no set rule, and depending on the manager’s schedules, interviewers may switch at the last minute.
Although not as common as one-on-one interviews, the group, committee or panel interview is a technique gaining steadily in popularity. Applicants are being seen by a number of managers, supervisors and colleagues at the same time. The best way to handle a panel of interviewers is to address them one at a time. You see, the board or panel is not one entity, but consists of several individuals coming together with the simple goal of hiring the top candidate for the job. While checking out the interviewee, and usually sitting around a conference table, each interviewer poses questions based on his/her own idea of the perfect candidate. Panel interviews are often quite formal and organized, using a standard set of questions for all job candidates. Although first used for academia, government, or for high-level executive positions, nowadays, they are spreading more widely throughout the entire corporate world.
A structured or competency interview is very straightforward. The interviewer has a standard list of questions, which are equal for all candidates. He/she also holds a form to record responses and observations. Later on, the candidate’s experiences and skills will be compared to specific job tasks or criteria. In most cases, the applicants will also be presented with an opportunity to present themselves more personally.
These are the major initial interview techniques that are most used by hiring managers and recruiters. Of course there are other types of meetings that can be initiated, depending on the amount of candidates, the job requirements and its level of importance. If job seekers apply to a high-pressure, demanding job, they may have to undergo a stress interview, where the interviewer may try intentionally to upset the candidate to see how he/she handles stress and/or criticism. Regardless the type of interview that is being conducted, under no circumstances, lose your temper. Remain confident, professional and polite. A positive attitude will make successful candidates stand out and land them the job they so much desire!
How to prepare for job interviews
Though similar in many ways, we know that there are significant differences between the various types of job interviews. Consequently, job seekers should adjust their preparations and tailor them to each specific interview method.
Preparing for a phone interview can be done much in the same way as for a face-to-face interview. Before the call, compose a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as well thought out answers to typical interview questions. Run through your background and skills, and make a profile of the company you are seeking employment with. Research the position you applied for and analyze the job description that was listed.
During the phone interview keep your resume in clear view, and have a short list of your achievements at your fingertips. Be honest and sincere. They may not see you, but your voice can give away more than you think. Turn off call-waiting, stereo or TV, and clear the room of children and pets. You absolutely do NOT want to be interrupted. Consider using a landline rather than a cell phone. You never know whether your cell phone’s service will be reliable, or not, your phone battery will last, or if there will be static on the line. Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth, but drink while your interviewer is talking.
Proper interview preparations can make the difference between success and disaster. The best way to start researching a company is by simply typing the "Name of the Company" into the search box of a major search engine. By investigating a company, its products or services, and the industry it belongs to, you can better match your skills and qualifications to the corporation’s needs. Knowing the business profile may help you prepare better for tough questions that may come up during the interview. The information you gathered may peak your own curiosity and may allow you to ask the recruiter intelligent, and relevant, questions during your meeting. That will definitely show initiative and a keen interest for the company and the available job.
Never arrive late! Put your clothes ready the night before, study the road map to the job interview location, and have several resumes and sheets with references ready in a fashionable briefcase.
Nobody can emphasize the importance of “practice” enough! Rehearse how you will greet the interviewer and know your resume to the last detail. Remember your weaknesses and strengths. No employer will believe that you are perfect, so do not be shy to mention what job requirement, or ability you feel you are lacking. At the same time, tell the interviewer how you intend to fix that deficiency. For example, if you are missing one particular computer skill, be willing to take a training course.
Before the big day, practice at home in front of the mirror. It will allow you to remain relaxed and confident during the interview. You will know how to compose yourself and how to answer questions appropriately. Treat every interview with the same respect and importance. View it as your only opportunity to convince management that you are the right candidate for the position. If you succeed, the job will be yours!
Job Interview Guidelines and Tips
The sun is shining and you are on top of the world. After a few agonizing weeks of anxiously awaiting the news, you were contacted and told you had made the “short list”. You are one of the final candidates for the open job position. The company is close to your home, the pay rate is higher than anticipated, and is in a field close to your heart. Interview mistakes can easily be avoided and if you really want the job, consider the following guidelines and tips.
During an interview always follow a few general rules:
Always keep a positive attitude and smile frequently. Interviewers are not only interested in your skills, but also your personality.
Keep good posture. Be aware of the way you make eye contact, and your body language.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly, especially if you have an accent.
Use the interviewer’s title or address him/her as Mr. or Mrs. followed by the last name. Never use their first name unless they invite you to.
Try not to interrupt during questioning. Remember, you are not in charge.
Unless the interviewer touches on the topic, do not bring up salary or hourly pay rate. If you do, it will give the impression you are more interested in compensation than the job.
Lying and badmouthing a former boss is offensive and will ruin your chances for the job.
Do not smoke, chew gum, eat or drink during an interview, unless the interviewer offers you a beverage. Eat before the interview so your stomach will not make distracting noises.
Avoid playing with your clothes when you are nervous. Tapping on the table or desk in front of you is not a good idea either. It will irritate the interviewer.
Strive to project enthusiasm about your achievements and what you would still like to accomplish on a professional level. It shows that you are willing to grow.
It also never hurts to collect your thoughts before responding. Keep your answers brief and to the point. Nobody is interested in your biography, at least not at this point in the hiring process.
After the Interview:
Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered. If there are further interviews or meetings, previously discussed topics and statements may resurface.
When the interview is concluded do NOT forget to thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity they offered you to introduce yourself.
Make sure you get business cards from everyone you meet during the interview. That makes it easier to properly address thank you letters after the interview is over.
Following professional hiring etiquette is important. Reiterate your interest in the job with a ‘thank you note’. Even if you do not get the job, you may still have a chance if their preferred candidate backs out. Do not jeopardize that opportunity by being rude.
Unless the interviewer tells you different, give the company about a week to get back to you. If a decision has not been made by that time, contact the recruiting manager and ask politely for the status of your application. Knowing why a conclusion was delayed may help keep you sane!
|
