In regard to fields of work that are being presented would it be appropriate for a third year college student who's working on their degree to attend? I'm working on my bachelor degree in sociology and my minor in human services and would be potentially looking for an employer that would accept someone out of college in May of 2020 with no experience in the field yet.

And many are looking to hire! Come on by. If this is your first job fair, we will help you navigate it!

I have a son with special needs ( high functioning Autism). He would really like a job. Would this be an appropriate venue to bring him to, to find a job?

Check out this great video on how to prepare and excel at a job fair.

Make the best impression, and get the job!

Do you think these Ps and Qs are helpful? Let us know in the comments!

If you have never attended a job fair or a hiring event, here are some things you can expect and tips on how to prepare yourself.

Also, if you haven't be sure to stop by the [West Virginia job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/hiring_fairs/d31bcc06-dfea-4e9a-ac08-132d09bbe586) happening this Friday, March 22'nd!

Think of the event as a formal interview It's important to treat the event just like a formal onsite job interview, so make sure to prepare! You can do this by researching the company or companies, practicing your elevator pitch and answering questions, knowing which roles you want to apply to, and dressing as you would for an interview.

Expect long lines Attendance is usually pretty heavy at these types of events. Whether it’s waiting in line to actually enter the facility or waiting to speak with employers, there’s going to be some downtime. However, you can use this to your advantage! While you’re waiting, you can practice reciting your answers, brush up on your company knowledge or even mingle with fellow attendees to help calm those nerves or gain some insight.

A lot to take in In order to stay organized and focused throughout the day, pack a small notepad to write down important details. You can also pack a folder to collect business cards, pamphlets, or handouts. Keep these items in a small bag so you don’t misplace them. After every conversation with an employer, take a second to jot down some notes about what you spoke about and any other details that can help you reconnect.

It’s not over when it’s over Similar to a job interview, the events don’t end when you leave. It is crucial that you [follow up] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/01d183e9-bbb2-51f8-8eb1-9e39062049a5) just as you would after a regular interview. Be sure to gather necessary contact information before leaving each table, either by grabbing a business card or politely requesting an email address and jotting it down.

Whether you’re actively looking for a new job or considering making a career change, hiring events and job fairs are wonderful ways to make new, meaningful connections and jumpstart your job search.

Good luck!

Have questions? Please ask!

Most job fairs require professional dress, but what does that mean exactly?

Think of professional dress as the type of clothing that you would wear to an interview. You want to dress to impress the employer and create a positive first impression!

Here are some suggestions to help you!

For Women

-Stick to solid colors (avoid busy patterns so the focus is on your face) -A suit with a button up shirt worn underneath -Mid-length skirt (a little below the knee and/or longer) paired with a coordinated blouse -Modest shoes (Closed-toe pumps are a safe bet and look very professional) -Limited jewelry (avoid flashy, again the focus is on YOU) -Light makeup and very little perfume (one spray a few hours beforehand if you must) -Manicured nails (avoid chipped and overly bright nail polish, think neutrals)

For Men

-Stick to solid colors -A suit (if you can't wear a suit consider wearing your best dress shirt, pants, and a tie) -Long sleeve button up shirt (again a solid color) and coordinating dress pants -Conservative tie (stick to solids no crazy patterns, logos, etc.) -Professional dress shoes (no sneakers) -Limited jewelry -Trimmed/well-groomed facial hair -Go easy on the aftershave or cologne (it could overpower the interviewer) -Neat and clean trimmed nails

Avoid wearing jeans, ripped clothing, too many accessories, and over doing it on the cologne or the makeup ladies. Let the focus be on YOU!

You can also check out [these suggestions] (https://bit.ly/2sF9Mg1) for more inspiration!

If you need some interview clothing but you're short on cash, you can always explore your local Goodwill, Savers, or Salvation Army. I have done this myself and it helps you save you money.

NOW is the time however to begin to pick out your job fair attire or shop for it. Try different things on at home and see how you feel in them!

Once you are comfortable in your interview attire, you will exude confidence to prospective employers.

Be sure to wash, iron and lay the outfit out the night before so it's all set to go.

Good luck!! : )

Have questions? Please ask!

Your resume showcases all the things an employer is looking for and each has certain expectations that they would like you to fulfill. It’s important to show them in your resume how/why you are the perfect fit.

Check out these tips on how to make your resume stronger and desirable to employers!

1- Have the qualifications for the job Increase your chances of being hired by tailoring your resume specifically to jobs that you are qualified for and are interested in doing. You don’t always need to meet 100% of the requirements that job postings ask for, but do make sure that you have at least 75% of the qualifications. Present them in easy-to-read sentences and bullet points. Highlight your past accomplishments to show how you can excel at the job.

2- Make it easy for them to contact you Place your contact info right up at the top of your resume. Be sure your email sounds professional. If it begins with cutiepie107 or a bunch of random letters and numbers create a new one with your name, such as Jsmith for example. Keep it professional! List your phone number as well and make sure that once you put it out there you are checking your messages.

3-Show that you want the job The first thing an employer is going to notice is if your resume is relevant to the job that they are hiring for. Do you live close enough to the job to reasonably commute to it? Does your title closely match the job you’re applying to? Describe your experience and accomplishments to demonstrate how they benefit the employer. Remember, it is about THEM, not you. Employers don’t want to guess how your credentials apply to the role they are looking to fill.

4- Be a spelling and grammar whiz Reportedly 75% of employers noted that they wanted a stronger focus on written communication skills. Your resume is their FIRST impression of you, so if it is riddled with spelling mistakes, type-o's, or grammatical errors you will likely not be considered for the role. These type of errors show your lack of attention to detail and gives off the vibe that you just aren’t professional or interested. Avoid this by ALWAYS making sure to have a friend or family member read your resume. It’s tough to catch your own mistakes sometimes, they are sneaky! Be sure to use spell check and you can even download Grammarly for a free and easy guide to use as you write.

For info on how to easily create your resume right here on Jobcase please check out @LailaNashat 's posts [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/community/topics/JobcaseInsider).

Have questions? Please comment below!

Attention those in the West Virginia area!

Stop by the Kanawha Valley Job Fair next Friday, March 22'nd from 11am-3pm!

More than 200 local employers will be represented!

Some of which are: • Aldi • Wendy's • The WVU Medical Center • USPS • WesBanco Bank • Ticketmaster • Aramark • Kelly Services • Goodwill of Kanawha Valley • Aflac • Jackson Kelly PLLC • Manpower of Charleston • Toyota Motor Manufacturing • City of Charleston • Charleston Area Medical Center • WVU Parkersburg • Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law • WoodmenLife • Council on Aging • Maxim Healthcare Services • Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center • West Virginia Women Work • West Virginia Air National Guard • SOKY Jobs • Northwestern Mutual • UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia • Snowshoe Mountain Resort • AHF Products • Orangetheory Fitness Charleston • Cardinal Concrete Company • West Virginia State University • Xtreme Labor Solutions • All Ways Caring HomeCare • Electronic Specialty Company • West Virginia Junior College • Panhandle Support Services

...and more!

Employers will be recruiting for many different types of roles that can accommodate many different needs. Varying shifts, solid pay, and benefits are available across different roles, such as Customer Service Representative, Maintenance Technicians, Accounting Assistants, Fitness Coach, and many, many more.

Best of all is that many of these great employers will be providing on-site interviews and may give job offers on the spot!

Lots of great reasons to stop by including free headshots : )

Register and grab all the info [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/hiring_fairs/d31bcc06-dfea-4e9a-ac08-132d09bbe586).

Have questions? Please ask!

Check out these tips to make sure you are all set for the job fair on March 22n'd!

Remember, it's never too early or to prepare!

-Lay out your clothing the night before. By planning ahead you don’t have to scramble trying to find something in the morning. Also, be sure it's clean and wrinkle-free. 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).

-Grab those resumes. Pack at least 50 copies and place them in a folder, or notebook and then tuck them away in a bag. Just make sure your resumes are easily accessible when an employer requests a copy, so you don't have to go digging for it!

-Eat a good breakfast. It’s true what they say, breakfast IS the most important meal of the day. It will fuel your brain/body first thing and last until lunchtime! When in doubt bring a snack to eat later to help keep you energized!

-Go to bed early. Even if you’re a night owl, put on those pj’s and climb into bed early enough the night before so you get a full 8 hours. You will look rested tomorrow and feel much calmer and more focused.

-Get to the fair on time. Plan how you will get there and how long it will take with Google maps. If you can, arrive a little bit early to calm your nerves and take a lap around the room.

-Practice your pitch a few times that morning. Whether it’s in the shower or on the ride over, say it a few times so you build up that confidence! What will you say in 20-30 seconds to grab that employer’s attention?

-Know that company’s mission/culture. If you haven’t researched it yet, take some time to see what they are all about and jot down some notes! Remember, your pitch should be tailored to what YOU bring to that company based on what they do.

-Nervous? If you are not sure what to say when you first meet an employer, use a few of these [conversation starters] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/6d46f61d-c53b-5ec5-9d7c-69cc61713f6a) to get things rolling!

Wishing you the best of luck at the job fair! : )

For those in the West Virginia area wishing to attend, grab all the [info here] (https://www.jobcase.com/hiring_fairs/d31bcc06-dfea-4e9a-ac08-132d09bbe586)!

Have questions? Please ask!

It's important to take a little time to properly prepared your elevator pitch. In case you’re wondering, an elevator pitch is a brief synopsis of who you are, what you’ve been up to career-wise, and where you are going.

This short persuasive speech also helps tell employers more about yourself and sparks their interest. An elevator pitch is also a FANTASTIC way to prepare yourself for the [“tell me about yourself"] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/9796b664-0776-527a-b369-0f636b312f99) moment.

To make it a bit easier on yourself think of your pitch as a story.

The BEGINNING:

This could be something about why you chose the field you are in now. Maybe it was school, job experiences, a family member, etc. How did you begin? What sparked that passion?

The MIDDLE:

What have you been up to in your most recent job? Tell them what problems you have solved or contributions you have made to the job(s) you’ve had in the past. Offer clear examples and make sure to emphasize why you are interested in the position. The middle of the story should help to make you shine!

The END:

You landing the job there! Employers are going to wonder, what's in it for them? Make sure to connect what you’ve done with what they need NOW in their company. This means doing a little exploring on their website before you head to an interview to determine what they do and how you can be an asset to them. By helping them imagine you working there and how you would best serve them you are putting a positive message in their minds.

Make your story stand out, and don’t forget to:

-Connect the phrases to each other, don’t plop in random things that have nothing to do with that you previously mentioned. Plan it out in advance!

-Have it flow naturally and smoothly, one thought always leads to the next otherwise you will seem all over the place.

-Don’t rush or ramble! Remember, good storytelling isn’t hurried, but a long story is sometimes boring. Keep it simple and pace it out.

-Memorize key points and practice what you will say to friends/family before you have the interview!

So what is YOUR story? ; )

Have questions?

Please comment and I will be glad to help!