Dr. S S Verma
India has a real job problem on hand. Twelve million young men and women are entering the job market every year, but there simply aren’t enough jobs for them. On the other hand, companies say job-market entrants are not employment-ready.
With few exceptions (as exceptions are always there), everybody who is taking or have taken education of any type/level wants to choose only one job (government or private) with top preference to government job, higher pay packages and reputation of company with good working conditions etc. All job aspirants know that there is set procedure to be eligible to get a job i.e., minimum qualifications as per the job requirements, different levels of written tests (preliminaries, mains) for screening, interviews along with group discussions and medical fitness tests to make the dream come true i.e., getting a job. The availability of jobs and the process to achieve the final goal of getting a job takes a long specified route and sometimes it becomes even longer with many hindrances beyond job seeker’s control. There are many avenues to be a prospective applicant to get a job, like advertisements in the news papers, through the websites, campus interviews etc. from time to time. These all methods to apply for a job have their specific time frames towards the competition of the final process towards getting a job.
In a recent trend of providing job opportunities to applicants not only educational institutes and industries but governments at central and state levels are coming forward with the idea of job fairs. These fairs are being organized under the central-level or state-level employment generation campaign of the governments. A job fair, also referred commonly as a career fair or career expo, is speed dating for companies and job seekers. A job fair is an event in which employers, recruiters, and schools/colleges/universities give information to potential job seekers. Job fairs can be divided into two categories:
In-person: Job seekers attend these while trying to make a good impression to potential coworkers by speaking face-to-face with one another, filling out résumés, and asking questions in attempt to get a good feel on the work needed. However, they have to attempt to stand out in the process of selection from other people.
Online: Online job fairs offer many of the same conveniences of regular career fairs. An online job fair uses a virtual platform which allows employers to discuss with potential new nominees for the job they’re offering. This is a way of interacting with them virtually and practical to get to know who they are. A virtual career fair include many services such as video, live chats, downloadable material and many more to make it the more helpful both for the recruiter and the job seeker. After having applied online to jobs and finding the process less productive/effective, many more people are also trying their luck with in-person job fairs.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Job Fair
When searching for a job, take some time to attend job fairs. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with employers that you might not be able to access any other way. Plus, job fairs and career expos often offer networking programs, resume reviews, and workshops for job seekers. In order to compete with the crowds attending job fairs, here are some tips which will help any job seeker to maximize the opportunities of getting a job.
Attend a Workshop: If the job fair has workshops or seminars, attend them. In addition to getting job search advice, you’ll have more opportunities to network.
Check Out Companies: Many job fairs and career expos have information on participating companies on the job fair web site. Be prepared to talk to hiring managers by checking out the company’s web site, mission, open positions, and general information before you go. If you demonstrate knowledge about each company or manager you’re talking to, you’ll certainly stand out from the crowd.
Documentation: Carry all your documents in a professional manner — a neat folder or executive file is fine. Do not carry them in a polythene bag or in your hands. Bring extra copies of your resume, mini resume, mark- sheets, certificates, reference letters, pens, a notepad, and business cards with your name, your email address, and cell phone number.
Dress for Success: Attend the job fair dressed for success in professional interview attire, and carry a portfolio. Your interview attire should be- a neatly pressed, solid color suit, dark dress shoes, and minimal jewelry / accessorizing / make-up.
Practice a Pitch: Practice a quick pitch with elevator speech summarizing your skills and experience so you’re ready to promote your candidacy to prospective employers. The more you practice this pitch beforehand, the more confident you’ll feel delivering it at the job fair.
Arrive Early: Keep in mind that lines can be long, so arrive early – before the fair officially opens.
At the venue: Don’t hit multiple stalls with a group of friends. Interact with recruiters on your own. Make your own positive impression, as this is not a group activity. Candidates generally tend to rush from one ‘shop’ to another, which is highly unadvisable. They should be more focused in their approach in terms of profile, salary or brand, whatever the priority may be.
Network: Stay positive and make the most of the opportunity. While you are waiting in line, talk to others and exchange business cards. You never know who might be able to help with your job search. Along the same lines, remember to stay polite and professional. Even if you’re feeling discouraged in your job search, don’t vent to other fair-goers about your situation or about any specific companies.
Show Initiative: Shake hands and introduce yourself to recruiters when you reach the table. Maintain direct eye contact. Demonstrate your interest in the company and their job opportunities.
Be Enthusiastic: Employer surveys identify one of the most important personal attributes candidates can bring to a new position as enthusiasm.
Ask Questions: Have some questions ready for the company representatives that illustrate your knowledge of their organization. Employers are not merely looking for the most skilled candidate for the job – they are looking for candidates who are truly interested in their company. The more you engage them, focusing the discourse upon their company’s needs, the better the impression you’ll make.
Collect Business Cards: Collect business cards, so you have the contact information for the people you have spoken with. After you get home, immediately compile this information into a contact list.
Take Notes: It’s hard to keep track when you’re meeting with multiple employers in a busy environment, so writing down the notes on a notepad is always better.
Say Thank You: Take the time to send a brief follow up thank you note or email to the company representatives you met at the job fair. It’s a good way to reiterate your interest in the company and to remind company representatives that you’re a strong candidate.
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