$aving Green

(ARA) - As unemployment rises, many Americans find themselves unexpectedly looking for work. Suddenly, attending a job fair becomes a vital opportunity to network, develop interviewing skills and -- hopefully -- find a job.

College graduates entering the job market now compete with previous stay-at-home parents, the unemployed and even retirees who are returning to the workforce. Furthermore, available jobs are at their lowest since December 2000, according to the April 2009 findings from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Attending a job fair can be a great way to consolidate efforts when looking for employment. However, increased competition for fewer positions means applicants must find ways to stand out in a crowd.

Michelle Jordan, director of career services at Brown Mackie College - Indianapolis, offers advice on how to make the most of your opportunities when attending job fairs. Preparation is a key factor.

"First, determine your primary field of interest," says Jordan. "Then look for employers in that field who will be at the fair." Job fair organizers usually post a list of employers scheduled to be at the event and sometimes even a map of the layout.

Jordan recommends visiting the Web sites of the companies that interest you. "You want to be ready on the spot to speak intelligently about the company," she says. "Familiarize yourself with the company's mission statement, guiding principles, and the company's product or service."

Armed with research knowledge, your next step is to create an action plan. "Prioritize the employers you want to visit," Jordan continues. "With the economy the way it is, there will be long lines. You will have just a few hours to get your resume to the employers you have targeted."

"As you approach a prospective employer, shake hands," Jordan advises. "Don't just hand them your resume. Practice your 30-second pitch to help sell your qualifications. Be professional and keep your personal sentiment out of it … no age, no kids, no marriage."

Preparation includes taking the right supplies with you to a job fair. "Your resume is the cornerstone of your success in pursuing a career," Jordan says. "You'll want to tailor each resume to a specific company or position."

The career objective is particularly important. "Your objective should say how the company will benefit from your background, skills and experience, not how you will benefit from working for the company. What you will bring to the table is very important," continues Jordan. "Convince the employer why they should hire you. And don't be afraid to ask questions. Express your interest."

Jordan's advice includes taking plenty of resume copies with you, printed on white or ivory paper. "No colors, no clouds," she says. "And pay attention to detail. Be sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Twenty seconds is the average time for employer review of a resume. From there, it goes into the 'yes' pile or the 'no' pile. A typo will send it directly to the 'no' pile," Jordan adds.

"Keep track of the people you speak with at the job fair," Jordan says. "Ask for business cards. These will provide the information you need to send a brief thank you note." Whether your thanks go out in the form of an e-mail or a letter, Jordan recommends sending notes within 48 hours of your meeting.

Business cards are another must-have item. "Even if you're not currently working, you can print cards from a computer," Jordan says. One final point of advice from Jordan is to dress professionally. "Wear neutral colors," she says. "Hide any tattoos, and remove facial and tongue piercings." Heeding Jordan's advice can help make your next job fair an efficient use of time in your search for employment.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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