Career Expo Ready - Are you?

Are you Career Expo ready? Yes? How do you know? Here are a few FAST tips to make sure you are ready when you walk in the door. Don't pull up to the parking space without first taking these few steps to make sure you walk out with an interview - or maybe even a JOB!

1. Dress professionally. Don't over do it, a suit and tie or fancy dress is not necessary. Even if you wear jeans, make sure that your clothes are clean and neat. Taking time to present your self as professional is a great "first impression."

2. Bring your equipment. Pencil & Paper, Resumes, & List of References are essential not optional.

3. Research. Do a little research before you show up at the door. Find out which companies are coming to the job expo. If you can't locate this information ahead of time, try to at least be prepared to answer some basic skills questions by reading up on interview techniques. Paul Falcone is always a good author to start with in this department.

4. Present & Respond. When you approach a booth to inquire about work - smile, meet eyes, and present yourself as both friendly and approachable. Be confident (not cocky) about your skills and abilities.

5. Remember to obtain call back information. When at a booth if you leave a resume, make sure you get a business card of company information packet. Write down the name of the person you spoke to so that you can follow up later.

6. Find out the process. When you speak with the company recruiter make sure you know what they are looking for. Ask questions and find out when the interviews are taking place. Will they call you? Do you need to show up somewhere at a specific date and time? Get the specifics.

7.Don't stay too long! After you meet and greet and find out about the positions don't linger too long looking desperate for work. Leave your name, resume, and move on. Your first impression is what counts!

Remember as you leave the Expo you should have no resumes left but a pile of company business cards or information packets, dates and times to follow up on, and at least a few names for call back and reference information. Now, are you ready?