You've probably heard time and time again – networking is key to career success. Networking can help accelerate and ease the job search process, because it gets you one step closer to connecting with a potential employer. As a student, you might begin networking with friends, peers and professors, but one of the best methods to test your interview and professional communication skills is at a job fair.
On January 27, 2017 the Career Services and Co-operative Education team held a successful business job fair at the Progress Campus that hosted 40 employers and around 300 students and grads. Participating employers included Scotia Bank, The Canadian Public Service Commission, CIBC and Xerox Canada Ltd. among other industry partners. Employers and students connected for opportunities that ranged from accounting, business administration, marketing, sales and project management.
On January 30, the Ashtonbee Campus hosted a Community Studies job fair for students and graduates that featured 25 organizations, including the Scotia Bank, The Canadian Public Service Commission. A Health Studies Fair was held on January 31 at the Morningside Campus, where 25 employers were present for opportunities in a range of areas, including Nursing, Personal Support Work and Massage Therapy.
Centennial College's job fairs are an essential gateway to building your professional network.
Here are some tips to get you ready for job fairs:
Be Prepared
It's important for you to get ready to meet with employers in advance of the job fair. This way you can go in with confidence and your best foot forward. Preparation does not have to take too much time, and can include knowing where you picture yourself in your career and what skills you bring with you. Career Services and Co-operative Education at Centennial College can make this easier with online assessment tools and in-person employment advice. Once you have determined what you are looking for, you can follow up with smaller but equally important steps such as researching a few employers that are attending, preparing your elevator pitch and figuring out what to wear for the day.
Socialize and Personalize Your Interactions
Job fairs give you the opportunity to closely interact with employers. If you feel that you need a little more practice, you may utilize many of the career services tools available to you. One of these tools is Interview Stream, where you can virtually record yourself answering interview questions, assess how you're doing and identify areas of improvement.
If you feel ready to take on a one-on-one opportunity with an employer at a job fair, it is integral to remember that you are the representative of your personal "brand" — your ability to make positive connections on a personal and social level will help you stand apart.
Relax, Respect and Remind
Remember to relax and enjoy your experience as much as you learn from it. Respectfully answer questions and explain your attributes to employers. Last but not least, keep reminding yourself of your unique strengths and what skills you bring to the table — Positivity is key!
By Sara Komal