Ten Great Job Fair Tips

If you have been looking for a career in the civilian labor force, you have probably attended a Job Fair. These fairs work to put veterans, and employers eager to hire veterans, together in one room. You will often find a booth for Helmets to Hardhats at these events staffed by our Regional Directors.

At the Helmets to Hardhats booth, you can find out about a job with the building and construction industry. Representatives can answer your questions regarding apprentice registration, and industry news. They can also give you more information about specific trades. A job fair can help you develop interest in a career about which you may know little. Mostly, the job fair experience gives you a chance to go beyond the "help wanted" ads, meet one on one with a representative, and establish a positive relationship. In fact, 60% of jobs are found through networking. Remember the old job seekers adage, "It's who you know..."

What should you expect at a job fair and what do those representatives behind the table expect of you? Here are 10 tips from the field to help you as you seek apprenticeships and quality jobs in the building and construction trades.

1. Have the right materials. The purpose of a job fair is to initiate a hiring situation. Remember to have several hard copies of your resume, business cards, and a notepad to write down questions or information. You'll probably pick up brochures and other papers. Bring a clipboard or briefcase to keep it all together. The Helmets to Hardhats archive has many articles to help you write your resume.

2. First impressions count. Business attire is expected. One of our Regional Directors reminds candidates to act as if they are going to an inspection. Make sure you have a crease in your pants, polish on your shoes, are clean shaven and run a comb through your hair. Women, the same is true with the extra reminder that this not a wedding or funeral so be careful not to overdress.

3. Be prepared. Most of your work should happen before you go to the job fair. Get a list of apprenticeships and companies that are participating in the job fair. Develop a list of the trades in which you are most interested. Go online to www.HelmetstoHardhats.org and research those trades and companies. Once you target the trade you'd like to work for, get the local apprenticeship coordinator’s name, address, and phone number. A job fair is your chance to find out about the hiring companies and trades as much as it is a chance for them to find out about you. With all this info under your belt, still keep an open mind. A company you breezed over on the web may be the very one that captivates your interest.

4. Ask questions. Employers often use job fairs as a screening process. Are you really there for a job or do you have to go to a certain number of job fairs as a requirement for a program? Intelligent and relevant questions show that you are interested and dedicated. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

      · What benefits are offered? (Health, retirement and others)

      · Are college courses included in the apprenticeship?

      · How long is their apprenticeship, and when would you attend

        school? (Once a week, after work)

      · Is their apprenticeship approved by the state approving agency to use the GI Bill?

      · How much work is anticipated in the short term and long term?

      · What is involved in the hiring process? And how long is this process?

5. Be enthusiastic. Try to make a positive impression with the representative through your enthusiasm about the work. Also, try to engage the representative in conversation about the company, and listen to what the rep has to say.

6. Know yourself. Prepare a short statement about yourself and your background. This is not an autobiography but three or four clear sentences about your most recent responsibilities, your skills, and your job seeking objective. Make sure you identify yourself as a Helmets to Hardhats candidate and discuss how your military experience pertains to the construction industry. Be ready to answer questions about your ability to relocate, desired work schedule, past education, past criminal record or drug issues and the most often asked question, "Why should we hire you?"

7. Be Professional. Is your resume printed on neon paper? You want to stand out from the pack, but this is the wrong way to go about it. Instead communicate clearly, and provide a compelling package of skills, experience and determination. Think about the image you convey when you shake the hand of a possible employer and give them your professional documents. To most employers, past military service suggests a candidate able to lead, follow, and follow through.

8. Too much information. You do not want to share your personal problems with someone who may be looking to hire you. This includes information on networking web sites and personal web pages. Do not post the pictures from your last R & R trip or blog about the problems you are having at home. These days, many employers "Google" candidates as part of the hiring process. The general rule is, "If you don't want to see it on the front page of the New York Times, don't post it on the web."

9. Body language talks. Our bodies often say more then we do. Those who stand tall and still, make eye contact, speak clearly and give a firm handshake tell employers that they are confident and competent.

10. Follow up. In a week or so, call the representatives with whom you spoke. Inquire about the position and the hiring timeline for the apprenticeship or job opening. Make sure that you understand the next steps and have provided the company, union or apprenticeship program with all the documentation they need.

Finally, if you are hired through Helmets to Hardhats, stay in touch. We can't wait to hear how your new job is going.