Job Seekers, Are You Ready for the Next Philadelphia Job Fair?

If you’re currently searching for jobs in Philadelphia, you know just how competitive the city’s job market can be in today’s economy. That’s why it is important to take advantage of every opportunity available to get face-to-face with employers. Registering for a job fair can be an excellent way to do this, but only if you’re prepared to use the event to your full benefit. If you don’t make the most of the experience, you’ll just be wasting your time. 

New Job Hob Nob comes to Philadelphia in June 

Take the upcoming New Job Hob Nob, for example. This recruiting event takes place on June 16^th at Jack’s Firehouse on Fairmount Avenue from 5pm – 8pm. What’s great about this Philadelphia event is how it has been designed as a casual networking event (“Meet, Mingle, & Match” is their slogan) without the typical booths and lines. It’s also limited to 250 job seekers, so it’s a good idea to register early. Before you register, though, you should be sure you’re prepared to do the following: 

• Research the job fair. Are they hiring for positions you are interested in? Which employers will be there? What can you learn about the companies, recruiters, and available positions? You may not be able to find out all this information at the time of registration, but do your best to research all you can prior to the date of the fair. Employers want to know that you understand what they do and with research you can discuss how your expertise can both meet their needs and add value. 
• Prepare an oral professional biography. Be ready to discuss who you are and what you’ve done in a brief format while highlighting the most pertinent and impressive information. Practice this so you can get through your bio smoothly and comfortably. 
• Dress professionally. Yes, the event has a casual atmosphere, but employers don’t want to see you in sandals and a t-shirt. Always dress in a manner that shows you are a professional in your field, take the employment opportunity seriously, and will be an excellent representative of the company that hires you.
• Have many copies of your resume available to hand directly to recruiters. It is important that your resume is appropriately formatted and error-free. Also, make sure you are familiar enough with your format to be able to easily guide recruiters through the points of your resume that will be relevant to their available position. 
• View the event as a networking experience. There is no way to know what the path will be to your next job. It may come about through discussions with other job-seekers. Even those recruiters who can’t use your skills may know of someone who can, or may remember you when a future position becomes available. Be positive, professional, and an especially good listener.  Ask questions. The best opportunities often come from taking in information and using it smartly, rather than by distributing it with hopes it will land in the right hands 
• Ask for business cards. Ask recruiters for their business cards and if you can follow up with them later. Always follow up with a thank you email or mailed letter. Following this, make a phone call reminding him or her of the job fair and your interest in the position.
• Log your experiences. Who are the recruiters you met with and from which companies? Note anything important about your discussions – personal or professional. What did they focus on in particular? Do this immediately after the job fair or you are bound to forget these details.

Done Right, the Job Fair is Never a Waste of Time

Follow these steps and your Philadelphia job fair experience will be a success. While the job fair may be a direct or indirect avenue to a job, with good preparation you can feel confident that you took full advantage of the opportunity and didn’t waste your time. Don’t forget, your job fair preparation and face-to-face time with employers offers the best way to fine-tune how you conduct your job search and the best training and practice around for your next job interview.

And if you're looking for more great ways to discover the latest Philly job opportunities, check out PhillyJobs.com today!

- Lynn Mattoon