Introduce yourself and shake hands with recruiters -- show enthusiasm and interest.
"Get on the company's agenda before you get on your own," Collins says.
"Companies are going to screen for a group to take to the next level.
Demonstrating an awareness of what the company is about and asking intelligent questions is an easy way to distinguish yourself."
Prepare a one-minute "commercial" that outlines your strengths, goals and interest in the company. "Be sure you can comfortably, easily and briefly explain why you are unique and what you especially can bring to the job," Milne says. "Speak in a clear, concise fashion without using jargon. Outline five or six things you feel are important."
When Bell ExpressVu held an open house last fall to fill positions at its call centre in
Toronto, recruiters saw 650 applicants in four hours. They spent two to three minutes screening each applicant and reviewing their
resumes.
"We would determine if the candidate was suitable to go to the next step," says Jerome Zeyen, senior manager of human resources. "If they were, a further interview time was arranged with them."
Bell ExpressVu booked 200 interviews. "It was a great success," Zeyen says.
Some recruiters may want to conduct on-the-spot interviews. "Be ready to interview," Collins says. "They have positions that are open. They are looking for talent. They need to talk to you."
Take along plenty of resumes. "Leave one everywhere," Milne says. "Make sure your resume speaks strongly to your strengths and accomplishments, not just your responsibilities."
Dress professionally, just as you would for an interview. "How you dress does have an impact," Zeyen says. "You're presenting your
resume in person, so you should dress appropriately."
Collect a business card from each recruiter you speak to and follow up companies you are interested in with a handwritten thank-you note.
"It's one more thing to make you stand out," Collins says. "Take notes during your conversation so you can reference what you talked about in your letter."
And remember to keep a positive attitude as you concentrate on the benefits of the experience.
"Job fairs are a good component of a job search," Collins says. "Get as much out of them as you can."
(Linda White is an
based in Brooklin, and can be reached at
linda.white@rogers.com.)
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