Have you ever wondered why some people come away with jobs from job fairs, while other just throw their résumé into the black hole of Human Resources? Have a plan of attack to make the job fair work for you!

• Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. You and a lot of other people will be competing to make a good first impression. What is going to set you a part from the rest of the crowd?
• Smile! You’re nervous and they know it! Experts say that it takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile. So, relax and smile!
• The eyes have it! Making eye contact is especially important when answering questions. Eye contact establishes a level of trust with the interviewer.
• Be truthful! Most people have hit snags in their careers at one time or another. But, it is no reason to be misleading on a résumé or in an interview. Use this opportunity to explain what happened and how you have grown and learned from the situation.
• Watch your mouth! Never, ever use profanity. This also includes slang terms. You need to sound polished and professional. You also may want to “rehearse” a short, 30 second “commercial” highlighting your skills, accomplishments, and anything else unique that will make you stand out from the rest of the crowd.

A few parting thoughts… Have plenty of crisp, error free résumés printed on quality résumé stock handy. When you do give out a résumé, be sure to get a business card from whomever you give it to. Jot down on the back of the card the position title and any other pertinent information. When you get home, write a quick note thanking the person for their time and reiterate why you’re the best candidate for their job opening. It’s a nice touch that leaves a great impression.

Technorati Tags: Coaching, job fair, resumes

Just look in the Sunday paper or get on the internet and you’ll see plenty of career fairs out there. I’ll ask the question, “Are you ready?” Why would you even go to one of these things? The answer might surprise you.

In building your network through career fairs, I was quoted in yesterday’s Sunday paper. Let me share with you five simple steps:

• Dress professionally. Look at the fairs as a potential interview opportunity.
• Assess the list of participating employers ahead of time and develop a “short list” you want to focus on. Prepare targeted resumes for those companies.
• Make sure you have a supply of resumes and, if possible, business cards with you. Carry in a professional looking portfolio.
• Develop more than just a 30-second “elevator speech” to introduce yourself - make sure you know 10 and 20 second versions, too.
• Get a business card from every person you speak with and most important, follow up with them after the fair!

Also, keep this in mind - all career fairs are not created equal. Some may meet your needs and others may not. The key is to know what you are looking for? Make a list. Are the companies that will attend on your “target list”?

Finally, finding a position is all about building relationships, and going to job fairs is a good way to network and meet new people. You never know how a connection will play out!

Technorati Tags: assessments, career assessment, career coach, career coaching, career consulting, Coaching, cover letter, disc assessment, interview tips, kevin tucker, keywords, life coach, life coaching, negotiating, outplacement services, Passion and Job Satisfaction, resume, resume writing, transition coach, video interview