Get ready for the Hiring Fair!

Explore job opportunities at the upcoming Hiring Fair, hosted by the Career Centre on Friday, March 8th, from 12pm to 4pm at the Jensen Centre (BGC Parksville Child and Family Centre), 132 Jensen Avenue East, Parksville. Last year over 50 employers were present, providing a unique opportunity for job seekers to engage directly with businesses actively looking to hire. Stay tuned and keep checking back for additions to the list of employers attending in 2024!

To maximize your success at the job fair and in your job search overall, consider the following steps:

Step 1: Participate in a How to Prepare for a Hiring Fair workshop. Acquire networking strategies to ensure success during face-to-face interactions with employers. Gain insights into necessary preparations before, during, and after the Hiring Fair.

Step 2: Dress professionally for success, akin to attending a job interview. If you require interview attire, schedule an appointment with an employment consultant at the Career Centre for assistance.

Step 3: Research the list of registered employers beforehand. Get a competitive edge by researching businesses of interest, understanding their work culture and values. Prepare a set of questions to engage employers during the Hiring Fair.

Step 4: Bring multiple copies of your resume. Organize a folder with a list of target employers, several copies of your resume, cover letters (specifically addressed to certain employers), and letters of reference if available. Be ready to distribute extra resumes to employers not initially on your list. If you need assistance creating or updating your resumes, be sure to attend the Career Centre’s Resumes and Cover Letters Workshop prior to the Hiring Fair.

Step 5: Prepare for impromptu interviews. Craft a one-minute “presentation statement” highlighting your qualifications to effectively market yourself to potential employers. Attend workshops such as Branding “YOU” and Acing the Interview for additional insights.

Step 6: Network actively. Practice a polished greeting with eye contact to make a positive first impression. The Hiring Fair provides a valuable opportunity to connect with employers and fellow job seekers who can contribute to advancing your career.

Step 7: Collect contact information. Record the names and contact details of individuals and companies of interest or ask for business cards to facilitate follow-up.

Step 8: Send thank-you notes. Stay ahead of the competition by sending thank-you notes or emails to your preferred employers the following day. Ensure professionalism in your communication, avoiding jargon, abbreviations, or spelling mistakes.

The Career Centre’s Hiring Fair is a complimentary event for job seekers to engage with local employers. For details on upcoming workshops or to register, please call 250.248.3205.

We eagerly anticipate your presence on March 8th at the Hiring Fair from 12pm to 4pm!

Check out our JAM Updates for January 15, 2024! 

How to Prepare for the Hiring Fair – Part 2

Walking into a Hiring Fair can feel overwhelming to many of us, especially if you tend to feel nervous in unfamiliar situations or it is your first time attending. With a little preparation (see February Tip of the Month), some reflection on your own personal goals, and some strategies to manage nervousness, you will be able to work the Hiring Fair like a pro!

Tips to Calm Your Nerves

Don’t be afraid of feeling nervous. Remember that feeling this way is normal and it is an opportunity to learn about letting go of fear. If you’ve read last month’s tip and started preparing for the event you are already well on your way, so nicely done! In order to keep the nerves at bay during and prior to the event, try exploring these strategies:

• Maintaining Positive Self-Talk – visualization
• Relaxation Techniques – breathing techniques

Look the Part

Dress as though you are heading into an actual interview. Did you know that what you wear can create a very positive first impression? Invest time ensuring you look your best, which will go a long way in making you feel your best and allow you to exude confidence!

Practice Makes Perfect

Rehearsing what you are going to say when you greet an employer is another great way to build up your confidence. Employ friends and family members to listen to your “employer pitch” until you are feeling comfortable. Or you can make arrangements to come into the Career Centre and meet with an Employment Consultant to let them hear your pitch! Ensure you call 250.248.3205 to book an appointment if this is the route you choose.

Ease into Things

When you are at the Hiring Fair, don’t approach your #1 employer first. Give yourself time to work through your nerves and connect with businesses that perhaps are not at the top of your list. You will be more comfortable and ready to shine when you meet with your first choice!

Build Character

Starting a new job is exciting and can be a little nerve racking at the same time. New experiences help you to practice determination, self-control, patience, and eventually confidence. These are all good values that build character to help you impress your next employer.

A Final Note

You should now be feeling empowered and ready to meet your next potential employer, but perhaps you have sensory issues and would feel more comfortable in a less crowded environment? If this is the case, consider attending the Hiring Fair between 3:00 and 4:00 when it tends to be quieter.

The very act of attending an event like this, shows you are building your self-confidence and open to trying new things. Congratulations, this is good news and you are well on your way to success!

Hiring Fair news and more! Click here for your JAM update for February 28th