Job Fair Cliches - Apply With Your Resume

By Tim Sardano, Employment Times, LLC

Traditionally you want to bring multiple copies of your resume to a job fair. But you need to be aware there will be other ways to apply.

Some job fairs will have areas that job seekers can use to fill out applications. Think of applications you've filled out in the past. Did they require any special forms, such as a driver's license or other special forms of ID? You may not need them, but you should at least bring them with you so you don't have to apply at another time. You may lose out on the job if someone beats you to the punch because you had to go home to retrieve something.

Another trend we're finding is that you'll be asked to apply online. What's that? You'll drive all the way to a job fair only to be told you need to apply online? Yes, this is the case with some employers. If this happens to you, your initial reaction may be anger towards that employer and the person exhibiting on their behalf. But it's not their fault.

Several employers now a days are using what's called an applicant tracking system (ATS). This is a program added to their Web site that allows the company to code job openings and track applicants. As you can imagine with unemployment so high, such a system is needed for the employer to execute a more efficient candidate search. So what can you do to prepare for such a scenario? You should always research the companies exhibiting at a job fair before you attend. One such source of information on these exhibitors is their respective company Web site (view the blog two prior to this for more tips on researching companies). View the openings on their site and see if they use an online application form. If this is the case, and you see an opening that interests you, apply online BEFORE the job fair. This will give you an opening when speaking with the exhibitor. Why should you go to the job fair after you've already applied? Never underestimate the opportunity to make an impression. Online applications are faceless, both for the employer and the job seeker. Showing up at the job fair after you've applied and making contact with the employer there will add an identity to your online application.

You should also bring an electronic resume on disk. Other forms of the apply online function include an e-mail with the need for a resume attachment – you can't attach your paper resume to an e-mail. Some job fairs may have computers available that you can use, just be aware of the software you used to create your resume that's on disk. If you're using a program that was popular in the 90's to create your resume, it more than likely won't be usable on computers today.

If you lack a computer or the ability to get online from home, check in with your local library or career center. These locations will have computers available. Call ahead if you need special accommodations.

All this being said, don't forget to bring plenty of copies of your resume. You should bring at least half the number of exhibitors of your resume, as a good rule of thumb – if there's 30 exhibitors, bring at least 15 resumes. Some job fairs may have a copier on site but it never hurts to overestimate, just to be safe.

Job Fair Cliches - Dress

Interview dress can be a sketchy topic to find a straight answer. Ask 100 people and you'll more than likely receive 100 different answers. Some feel a suit and tie for men and pant suit for women area always proper, and some feel that business casual is the best route. Others, still, feel that you should wear what makes you comfortable, or that you should dress for the position you're applying.

Now, imagine you are dressing for an interview but you have no idea who the company is or what position you're applying. This is the decision you'll have to make for attending a job fair. Job fairs gather companies and organizations together to exhibit to the public about their company and their job openings. For this reason alone there is no dead-set answer as to how to dress for a job fair, and you're going to have to research ahead of time to find what options best suit you.

I'm going to assume you've researched the companies who are exhibiting and their openings as suggested in last blog. When you have a plan of attack together as to whom you wish to speak and where you want to apply, consider the industry they service and this will help you plan what to wear. If you have a specific position you want to apply, dress for that position. Financial? You want suit and tie/pant suit or dress. Retail? Casual. Retail management? Business casual. If you're unsure, it never hurts to call the company and ask what the attire is like in their office culture.

Here are some items to consider when preparing for the upcoming job fair season. Plan accordingly.

• Consider your time frame. You may be at a job fair 10 minutes or over an hour, which may mean you'll be moving around quite a bit. High heels or penny loafers can cause you discomfort later in the day when you've scored that face-to-face interview, which can be a distraction.

• Consider the location. We've been at job fairs that were in hangars, hotel conference rooms and ice arenas. Hangars are stuffy and lack air circulation. Hotel conference rooms are carpeted and have nice support. Ice arenas are cold. Could you be too warm? Too cool? Potential for foot pain?

• Consider usage. You'll need to move around, shake hands, take notes, store business cards, carry a bag/purse, hold your cell phone and keys, carry resumes, etc. What we want is a personal assistant to help. What we need is proper attire and accessories that accomplish these tasks without over doing it – cargo pants may be proper for some positions, but not all.

Lastly, if you visit www.youtube.com, search "job fair" and you'll find excellent suggestions for both men and women on proper dress that is both comfortable and purposeful.