There is an abundance of information on the web about finding the right job or landing the perfect career. Most Career Coaches (if they are being honest with you) will tell you that there are no secrets to this task. The problem is figuring out WHICH resources to use, and when. So here are a few of my favorites:
Check out Cleon Cox III at the Job Finder’s support group Friday’s at noon (http://www.jobfinderssupport.com/)
The Pacific NW Tech Career Fair (http://www.pacificnwtech.org/)
Or talk to your local Worksource agency (Portland) (Seattle)
While very few people actually find jobs on the major job boards, each of them has a great deal of information for the job search process. I recommend: Monster/Career Advice and Hotjob/Career tools.
Happy hunting!
This is the time of year when college seniors and soon to be graduates attend a variety of Career Fairs. Some helpful tips are in order. Here are my top 7 “DO’s and DON’Tsâ€:
1) DON’T go to a Career Fair expecting to get a job. Very few people actually get a job from a Career Fair. If you are putting all your eggs into this basket, you will be very disappointed.
2) DO go to a Career Fair expecting to gain information about several companies – one of them MAY become your next employer. Ask lots of questions related to the company, industry, and how a person with your background might fit in.
3) If you attend a Career Fair with others, DON’T “cluster.†Spread out. Meet new people (employers AND Job Seekers). Make sure that you do not spend all of your time talking to people you already know, that defeats one of the most important reasons for attending a Career Fair – to meet new people and grow your network.
4) DO be clear about the kind of position you are seeking. Have a career objective in mind, and stick with it. This will help you and the recruiters find a better “fit†for you and the company.
5) DO keep your eyes open for opportunities to help connect others in your network. If you can connect a potential employee with a potential employer, you will build credibility with both parties! (Of course, this “DO†assumes that you have a network to share information with. If not, build one NOW!)
6) DO have plenty of business cards and resumes to hand out. Distribute the business cards liberally, and give a copy of your resume directly to potential employers. (In other words, don’t just set it on a pile, or it will probably go directly into a recycling bin!)
7) DO plan to meet 2 or 3 new people, get their business card, and ask if you can follow up with them for a cup of coffee within the next week . . . then DO follow up! Remember, “the money is in the follow up!â€
Have fun at these fairs. They can be a great place to meet new people and learn about a company or two that you may have some interest in. Just don’t expect to come away with a job, or you may be very disappointed.
