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!

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 and impress employers!

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.

Answering these questions will help you feel prepared to go in with some great things to say which will also boost your confidence!

Have a question?

Please comment and ask! : )