Thursday, March 22, 2012

How to be S.U.C.C.E.S.S.ful at a career fair

S- Study the companies that will be attending. Find out what type of positions they have available and what they are looking for. Then ask yourself, “Is this what I am looking for?” If the answer is yes, make sure you visit them at their booth!

U – Uncover what the company representative likes about the organization. This will help you discover why you would like to work there.

C- Carry a simple portfolio with plenty of resumes to hand out. There may be a company not listed in the directory that you would like to meet with and they will not be able to contact you if they do not know how to reach you.

C – Confidence … be confident Maintain eye contact when you are speaking with a representative, have a strong hand shake, good body language – don’t slouch and look closed off and most importantly SMILE 

E – Exhibit professionalism! Make sure you take a shower, brush your teeth, comb your hair and wear your best suit! First impressions are everything at a career fair.

S- Study your story. Have your 1 minute story of yourself rehearsed so you can relay what you have been doing and you can impact their company. Practice in front of a mirror several times and make sure you are confident when speaking.

S – Send a thank you email within 24 hours. Get the recruiters information from the companies that you feel would be a great fit for you and send them a thank you email. This is going to set you apart from your competition and will help them remember who you are.

Share your S.U.C.C.E.S.S with brandee.baker@mattressfim.com.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Addressing Your Potential New Address

It’s time to make that move to a different city. You begin to apply to all positions that are hiring. Let’s face it; you need a job as soon as you get there. Relocating can be a frustrating process, and many are baffled on how to prepare for the job search. Below is a list of steps you should take to land the job before you get there:

1) Start your research. Begin researching the companies in your city of choice. Contact the Chamber of Commerce to get a list of companies. Go to the library or visit company’s Facebook pages.

2) Personalize your cover letter. Address the fact that you are relocating.

3) Put your new address on your resume (if you have that information.) If you have a friend or family member with whom you plan to stay when you first arrive, use their address. This could take away any concerns employers may have about your relocation. (i.e. paying for your relocation or wait time for you to move to your new city.)

4) Get a Linked IN account. You can join groups in your area, and plan to attend networking events in the area. Target your companies of interest and network with employers.

5) Plan to make visits to the area. Sometimes you have to be there physically. Employers want to know when you’re available to interview face to face. So, consider your travel expenses.

6) Consider looking for a temp agency in the meantime. It’s understandable that you may have limited funds or need to move fast; this process could take awhile.

7) Remember that there is a job out there for you. So stay positive and don’t let your frustration show. Employers love a new hire with a great attitude Good Luck!

You can connect with Daja at daja.pope@mattressfirm.com