Tips for job seekers headed to Youth Hiring Fair next week

The City of Calgary’s 19th annual Youth Hiring Fair is just around the corner and organizers are hoping those who come out are ready for the day.

The fair drew more than 8,000 people last year.

Jennifer MacSween with the Calgary Youth Employment Centre said there are some things job seekers can do to prepare.

“Researching the companies beforehand, even stopping off at the Youth Employment Centre before the actual fair begins,” she said.

She said they help 15 to 24 year olds put together a solid resume and they can meet with employment counselors.

The fair runs Tuesday, March 28 from 1:30 to 6 p.m. at the Big Four Building at Stampede Park.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. Meet with an Employment Counsellor at YEC before you attend
2. Identify employers of choice and conduct research before attending
3. Know what you want to achieve and make a plan: you can’t meet with everyone; prioritize your top five employers
4. Deliver an “elevator pitch” and engage the recruiters in conversation. Use the face time you have to leave a positive impact
5. Approach with confidence, but practice your way up to your #1 choice: “Last choice first, first choice last”

 

SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM THE COMPETITION

1. Dress for success: dress professionally and appropriately, some employers will be conducting interviews at the hiring fair
2. Bring in a targeted resume and cover letter for each employer of interest
3. Ask for a business card from the recruiter or a way to follow-up with them after the hiring fair and then do it!
4. Execute your plan individually. If you plan to attend the Fair with friends break-off, do your thing, then meet up afterwards.
5. Talk to people and NETWORK. Engage exhibitors or recruiters, talk to staff and other attendees. You never know who has valuable information that may help your either your future or current job search!

 

NAIL YOUR HIRING FAIR INTERVIEW 

1. Be prepared and bring a professional binder containing: a notepad, pens, copies of your resumes, references, impactful questions to ask employers. Actively take notes during the interview, or write questions down, and show you’re engaged in the conversation.
2. Know the employer, know yourself, and make strong connections: understand the employer/organization, the business, the customer base, the history, current projects, etc. – and how you will fit in and add value. Know why you want to work there and how you will contribute to their success.
3. Be comfortable with silence and think before you speak! You don’t need to respond immediately after the employer asks a question. You also don’t want to end up rambling. Think about what the employer is asking you and then deliver a purposeful response
4. Be sure to follow-up with a thank you letter, reiterating your interest in the position, and noting something you took away from the conversation.
5. Meet with a YEC Employment Counsellor, who conduct a tailor-made mock interviews and provide you with constructive feedback while engaging in a realistic interview preview. Practice and Rehearse: know how to respond to common questions and learn how to effectively speak to accomplishments you have outlined on your resume that allow you to stand out. Bring in written lists or responses if it will help you.