I have been looking for a receptionist job for a while and am going to this job fair and hoping it will help me out. What things should I ask when I am there and will too many questions overwhelm or annoy the companies that are there? Just want to make sure I do things right. Can anyone help?

Headed to a job fair? Keep these things in mind!

As you approach the employer’s table make sure you are friendly, confident, and most importantly prepared with something to say.

Be different and stand out! Don’t fall back on chatting about the weather because 100 other people will likely be doing the same exact thing. Research the companies you are going to chat with beforehand and lead with something to catch their attention.

“Hello! My name is….I am really impressed that your company…”

As you speak SMILE, make good eye contact, and offer a brief, firm handshake.

Many times the employer will take the lead by asking you a few questions, so have your [elevator pitch ready] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/7af45c96-9dbb-555e-8bf0-eed09382fc67?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity). This is a 30-second synopsis of what you'd like the company to know about you, and how it pertains to them. Before you go to the job fair think about why you’re interested in that particular company and how your skills or qualifications suit the position. Practice your pitch so you're comfortable and confident speaking about yourself. It does take practice!

Just make sure not to go too fast! Job seekers have a tendency to speak quickly as there is a lot to say in a short period, but this can comes across as rushed or implies you’re nervous when in fact you are not. Speak slowly, clearly, be sure to listen and engage your audience.

So, what’s YOUR game plan to get hired at your next job fair?

One of the most common questions asked during an interview or at a job fair is…

Can you tell me about yourself?

Other variations could include... -Why should we hire you? -Why do you want to work here? -What is it about us that makes you want to work here?

Answer these 5 questions to help you plan what to say so you can impress employers at your next job fair or interview!

1- What are the three strongest reasons I am a great fit for this job?

2- What are some positive things I can say about the company, and how can I connect what they do with what I can bring to them?

3- Why do I really want this job beyond having a steady paycheck and perks?

4- What are three AWESOME things I did in my previous position that I can also offer in this new role?

5- What is the EXACT job description (make sure to write it down) and how do MY skills match up with it? Be as specific as possible.

By taking 15 minutes out of your day to answer these questions, it will help you feel prepared to go in with some great things to say!

Make sure to check out [which companies are hiring] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/35447421-6e61-55be-a3d4-95cee946fa77) and spend a little time researching the company you want to work for and the jobs they are offering!

Good luck ; ) we are rooting for you!!

Questions? Please ask!

What advice can you give someone who is over 55, hasn't worked for three years and is trying to transition to a different career?

Instead of staying silent during a job fair or interview SPEAK UP and let your voice be heard!

By building a rapport with the employers before getting into the nitty-gritty details of the job it can give you a major competitive edge over other candidates. Plus it will feel more like a friendly conversation which can certainly help calm those nerves. You can also use this information later on when following up.

Remember, these questions are not about you, but about them and the focus on building a connection. Try these out during your next job fair, interview or networking event!

1. It's a pleasure to meet you. How was your weekend (or how has your week been)? This demonstrates to the interviewer that you're confident, proactive, and friendly. Make sure to smile!

2. What was the most pleasantly surprising thing about working here you learned once you were on the job? It's a good idea to keep the conversation focused on the employer and their positive experiences with working at the company.

3. What's the most memorable thing that has happened to you since joining the company? This will show you are a positive person and care about others as well as help you feel out what the culture is like.

4. I read a really great article this morning on the way over here today. Discuss it a little if it connects to the company and if the employer seems interested, continue, if not gracefully move on.

5. What's one of the most interesting projects or opportunities that you've worked on? Employers will love the chance to reflect and respond on what it is they’ve worked on or are currently working on. This will also provide further insight into what they are doing now in the company, as well as give them a chance to talk about their own accomplishments.

6. What is it about (company name) that you love the most? This will tell you what the employer cares about but also what makes the company special.

Remember to keep bringing it back to the interviewer/company and your interest in it!

Good luck : )

Have questions? Please comment I am here to help!

The Boston job fair is COMING up on Thursday, June 6th from 1-4!

If you haven’t already, be sure to [register HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair) so you have the chance to meet and interview with some GREAT companies like Apple and Boston Children's Hospital. Full company list coming soon!

ULEM (Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts) is also offering several FREE career workshops onsite before the event begins to help you stand out and get hired. Be sure to take advantage!

Here are some tips to help you begin preparing for the fair:

• Start thinking about clothing Check out some tips on what to wear [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/60d77b2f-6640-5331-8816-dca310ec58bf?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity).

• Update and print those resumes Update your resume with all of your most relevant work experiences and skills. Then be sure to print and get ready to pack at least 50 copies and place them in a folder, or notebook and then tuck them away in a bag. Place them somewhere your resumes will be easily accessible the day of the fair when an employer requests a copy. This way you don't have to go digging for it! Don’t have a printer? No problem, check out some great advice [HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/4d3535bd-34ee-5eb3-9d7e-fc2f066d82a6).

• Write out and practice your pitch Whether it’s in the shower, to friends or family or even your pet rehearse it out loud so you build up that confidence! What will you say in 20-30 seconds to grab that employer’s attention? Need some help? Check out [THIS post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/d11f70ef-0d6e-5730-8610-36528b33a832).

• Know how to break the ice Practice a few of these [conversation starters] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/6d46f61d-c53b-5ec5-9d7c-69cc61713f6a) to get things rolling when you approach an employer. No one likes those awkward silences.

More tips coming soon ; ) and we hope to see you in a few weeks at the [Boston job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair)!

Please comment below with any questions

Hi everyone

Hello Greatings iam glad to hear this opportunity my name is Aweys i live in Somalia country specially Bay region city Baidoa iam Deputy chairman a company called people Arladi construction and logistics company work's in Somalia country

I am moving across the country to Mass in a few months. Just wondering what do you do when you are starting over from scratch?

I have an interview coming up. do you think nice dark jeans and a colared shirt works to wear to it? it says semi-casual attire in the email. please advise!!