Confessions of a Job Fair Jockey
When I came back to the office last week after recruiting at a job fair…I must confess that I had the job fair blues! I thought it was interesting how people present themselves at a job fair to potential employers. Perhaps it was because of the guy who told me he needed to work because he had too many girlfriends and they were costing him a lot of money…or the people that were interested in a professional administrative assistant position but had large visible tattoos of their zodiac sign on their chest…oh yeah, I can’t leave out the person who stole my mug full of mints when I turned my back for a few seconds. Needless to say, I was stunned.
In a recent article by Steve Giegerich, “Jobless are far from being freeloaders,” he mentions that the unemployed “don’t tend to exit state unemployment offices gleefully rubbing their hands at the prospect of blowing their $300-a-week benefit check on liquor and lottery tickets.”
I agree that majority of the population do present themselves to employers in a positive light and are diligently job searching, but after my experience at the job fair last week, I now see why some are still unemployed. Going to a job fair in pink slippers, sweat pants, a stained jacket and a low cut shirt that shows visible tattoos on the chest is a turnoff to most employers. Large visible tattoos are not going to open the door to a professional opportunity (if that is what you are looking for). This is an issue only for those tattoos that are exposed when clothing cannot cover them. Employers recognize that more and more people are sporting tattoos today and have started to create policies to address the issue.
Another thing to avoid is being unprepared. I had several jobseekers unload their folders and/or bags on my table, rummage through their things to find their resume, then paper clip or staple the pages together and then finally put it in my hand as the line of people grew and grew behind them!
I have realized that when I finish meeting 100+ candidates at a job fair, there are only 3-4 that really stand out in my mind as I am walking back to my car. That’s right… 3-4 people that I consider high priority targets.
Make sure you prepare for your next job fair! Practice your 30 second elevator speech, make sure your resume is stellar (and easily available to hand to the recruiter), cover visible tattoos, and be ready for action! Be among the 4% that get remembered when it’s all said and done. Recruiters know who came prepared and who did not. Bottom line? If you are seeking a professional position, make sure your overall presentation (attitude, outfit, hair, etc.) fits the part! Remember…first impressions are critical and can derail your chances of landing the job!
*See previous blog post for Job Fair tips!*
posted by misenberg @ 11:32 AM
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