Setting the stage for career possibilities – and helping you get there!

1. The JobMatch Project Setting the stage for career possibilities – and helping you get there!

4. EXPECTATIONS • Expect to know your target(s) • Prior to the event, check out the employers’ websites. Get as much info as possible about the companies and their job postings/job descriptions. • When possible, apply for the jobs online prior to the Hiring Event and let the representatives at the event know that you applied online.

5. Be sure questions you ask the recruiter are not general questions in which you should have found in your research.  Do your homework! • Develop a Hiring Event Strategy - Know your Top 10 Employers you "Must" see so once you receive the map you can efficiently plan your time. • Utilize any recent news or media info you discovered during your research about the company or its interest to emphasize how your background/experience can contribute to the company.

6. Look for opportunities to set yourself apart from other job seekers. • Stay true to yourself, but when appropriate seek opportunities to do something for the employer.

7. Use Social Media and communications - before and after the Hiring Event • Create and/or update LinkedIn profile, Facebook, Twitter. • Follow-up with contacts made at the Hiring Event (both employers and fellow job seekers). • If possible, make sure you are using a professional email address – “sillylady@aol.com” might not impress the business world as you’d like.

9. Expect to Mingle • In addition to employers, meet people who know other people. • NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!! • As you move around at the event, be observant and listen to other conversations (however don’t eavesdrop or intrude!). • Listen for potential job leads/info that may pertain to your job search. • NETWORK some more.

10. Plan for a BIG crowd of people; long lines both when entering/registering and at the employers’ tables. • PRE-REGISTER.  This will save you time when you arrive. • Be patient and use the time for professional NETWORKing. • Allow yourself plenty of time for this event; the full time (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm) if possible.

11. Prepare and Expect to get positive results from this event. • If you have this expectation before coming, you are more likely to get positive results. • You may not get a job immediately, but you will get some good leads.

12. Follow Up • Expect and plan to follow-up with potential employers. • Create a Professional Contacts list and add contacts gathered at the Hiring Event to a spreadsheet or database such as Zoho.com. • As soon as possible after the event, send thank-you notes, resumes, etc. • Make contact with HR/hiring managers, etc. • Take advantage of social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) to connect/contact.

13. DON’T EXPECT • DO NOT EXPECT to get hired on the spot. • It has happened, but is rare. • DO NOT EXPECT all the employers to contact/follow-up with you.  • Again – this is why you get THEIR business card.

14. DO NOT EXPECT that you will be able to answer all questions on the spot • Prepare yourself with a comfortable answer such as: • “I need to research that idea.” • “Would it be possible to craft the answer in an email and get it to you?” (great way to plug for a business card) • “I’m not sure I’m able to answer that question.”

15. DO NOT EXPECT each company will be able to take a lot of time talking with you – so be PREPARED (See above!). • EXPECT AND PREPARE to present yourself as someone that company needs!

16. PREPARATION • Documents to have ready: • Resume • Make sure your resume is not fancy, has everything spelled correctly and the grammar is correct, and that the same font and size is used throughout the document. • Include licenses and certifications. • Include url for LinkedIn, FB, Twitter (as appropriate).

17. Portfolio • For applicable fields, have samples of previous work you’ve done such as: • Graphics • Writing

18. References • Plan to have a sheet of references available – make sure your references have given you permission to use them! • Include affiliation • How do you know them and for how long. • This is a hiring event, so work-related references are preferred.

19. Business Cards • GIVE THEM TO ANY AND EVERYONE YOU CAN! • Actually – give two cards out to everyone you meet, either company representative or the person you’re standing next to in line. • You can print business cards on VistaPrint.com and only pay for shipping. • Get as many business cards from company representatives as you can.

20. Research to do • Types of companies you’re interested in so that you can expect to understand the type of employees they’re • Research their • Mission • Culture • Client base looking for

21. Presenting yourself • Elevator speech • Have a 30 second - 1 minute summary of your experience and skillsets and what you’re looking for – build your speech(s) to target companies you’re interested in.

22. Prepare Q&As and practice them before the event so you’re comfortable with the answers • Questions you expect to get • Why you were laid off • Types of certifications and licenses you have • How you are on the job • Strengths and weaknesses • Samples of challenges you faced and how you handled them • Ability to work in the US • Make sure you will have proof when applying (not necessary at the event itself)

23. Questions you want to ask or comments you want to make • Possible on-site interviews • Prepare a list of questions you would ask each employer if you were to be interviewed. Use the research you’ve done of their website to guide possible questions. • What you’ve been doing while you’ve been looking for a position • Volunteer work • Pro bono work • Training • Success stories to demonstrate how you’ve helped your employer – either directly or indirectly

24. Participate in an interactive interview with Job Match prior to the hiring event to polish your interview skills. • Leave interviewers with open communication channels.

25. Present yourself as organized and in charge of your future. • Have paperwork organized and in folder. • Paperclip like documents – don’t fumble through the papers.

26. Appearance http://x204project.com/2011/10/30/interviews-from-hell-%E2%80%93-what-not-to-wear-and-what-not-to-say/

27. Consider Your Industry http://www.burnetts.com/tag/what-not-to-wear

28. Dressing faux pas to avoid when interviewtime comes around  • Wild Nail Polish: For women or men - extremely long or uncut nails are a real turnoff, too. Your nails should be groomed and neat.   • Jangly Jewelry: Don't wear more than two rings per hand or one earring per ear. Also, no face jewelry or ankle bracelets allowed.  • Open-Toed or Backless Shoes and mules are a definite no-no. Out-of-date shoes should be thrown out or kept for other occasions.  http://career-services.monster.com/yahooarticle/10-Interview-Fashion-Blunders

29. Dressing faux pas to avoid… (cont’d) • Bare Legs: Wear stockings in neutral colors or a fashion color to match your shoes, even in humid summer weather. • Short Skirts: Hemlines should not be more than three inches above the knee. Capri pants or leggings are unacceptable.  • Purse/bag: Keep it simple, or carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. http://career-services.monster.com/yahooarticle/10-Interview-Fashion-Blunders

30. If the job you’re interviewing for is in an office: • Wear a suit. This rule applies to both men and women. Navy blue, black, and dark grey are the most conservative colors, so choose one of these. • Make sure your suit fits you properly. • If you’re a woman wearing a skirt, it should be a conservative length. • If you’re a man, your button-down shirt should be white, and your tie should be a conservative color like red or blue. • Shine your shoes, and make sure the soles aren’t too worn down. http://www.goodtemps.org/blog/109/

31. If the job you’re interviewing for is in an office (cont’d): • Men are expected to wear black dress shoes, and women are generally expected to wear conservative dress shoes with a medium-height heel. • Ladies are generally expected to wear makeup, and gentlemen are generally expected to shave. • Comb your hair and wear it so that it is out of your face. This rule applies to both men and women. http://www.goodtemps.org/blog/109/

32. Interviewing for a non-office job, such as in a factory, as a laborer, or in a food or retail business: • Dress more formally and professionally than you would for the actual job. While a suit isn’t expected (unless you’re applying for a management position, in which case it’s not a bad idea), you can’t go wrong with dark pants and a button-down white dress shirt. • Make sure they’re clean and free of wrinkles. • Ladies - wear a dress blouse and dark pants or a skirt that falls within two inches of the knee. Essentially it’s the same dress code as the one listed above for an office job interview, but without the suit jacket. http://www.goodtemps.org/blog/109/

33. Interviewing for a non-office job, such as in a factory, as a laborer, or in a food or retail business (cont’d): • Men - unless employees where you are interviewing wear jeans and t-shirt to work everyday, add a tie too. A tie can make you stand out from other candidates as looking more professional. • Ties - choose a solid color or a simple design. http://www.goodtemps.org/blog/109/

34. Other things to be mindful of:

35. More Do’s & Don’ts(Just in case you were wondering…)

36. Recruiters were asked, “What is the one piece of fashion and/or grooming advice you wish more candidates would heed before going on an interview?” Here’s what they said: • Get the Details Right: The night before the interview, lay out your wardrobe to make sure everything fits, is free of wrinkles and is current with today's styles. Also take the time to polish your shoes. -- DeLynnSenna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International • Accessorize with Mints: I wish more candidates would take a strong breath mint before their interviews. -- Bob Hancock, independent staffing consultant http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-appearance/recruiter-roundtable-fashion-grooming-tips-hot-jobs/article.aspx

37. … Here’s what they said (cont’d): • What Are You Revealing? Look in the mirror: If too much is showing, don't wear it. -- Joelle Thies, staffing specialist recruiter, Wells Fargo • The Smell of Success Is Scent-Free:Keep it scent-free. -- Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-appearance/recruiter-roundtable-fashion-grooming-tips-hot-jobs/article.aspx

38. GROOMING TIPS FOR MEN AND WOMEN Hair: Should be clean and neat. Shoes: Should be in polished condition.  Make sure heels are not worn. Details: No missing buttons, no lint; and don’t forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes. Hands: Clean fingernails. http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/BusinessCasualAttire.html#when

39. GROOMING TIPS FOR MEN AND WOMEN (cont’d) • Fit: Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly, neither tight nor baggy. • Smell: Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. No odors on clothes. Don't smell like smoke. • Padfolios: Preferred over a bulky briefcase. • Bookbags/backpacks/totes you carry on campus: Consider the industry and venue. May be too bulky or inappropriate to carry to a job or career fair. http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/BusinessCasualAttire.html#when

40. Additional Tips: • Employers gauge your judgment which is reflected in your choice of attire. • Your choices regarding your attire and appearance show how you choose to present yourself and is a form of communication to the people you encounter. • Show your awareness of the culture and expectations of the industry in which you are pursuing employment by dressing appropriately. • Don't substitute your manners and mannerisms for the content of what you say.

41. Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude. Lou Holtz GOOD LUCK!