Did you attend the recent MLK Day Job Fair, sponsored by the Urban League of Philadelphia (ULP) and Global Citizen, at Girard College, this past Monday, Jan 20th? (If you missed it, go to urbanleaguephila.org and call them to get connected to employers and skills!) :

If you attended and you want an advantage in securing that next job:

Follow-up immediately with everyone you met at the fair

One of the most common mistakes made after job fairs is jobseekers thinking there's a polite amount of time to wait until I reach out and (re)connect with a rep from an employer.

There is no appropriate waiting time, post-job-fair. It is, in fact, just the opposite: most employers see your immediate/quick follow-up as a sign of your motivation and commitment- it gives you an advantage!

So, if, right now, you are waiting to follow-up, you are actually giving away one of your biggest advantages in the job-seeking process! Don't wait!

Follow-up immediately and - importantly - don't accept an excuses for not doing it:

• I don't have the contact info: look up the company, get their number, call the department, ask for the email address
• I don't know what to say: look up job fair follow-up messages and use existing examples as a template
• I don't have time: Break it down into steps - write your message, get your contact info, etc. Do whatever you can now.
• I _________: whatever reason may be keeping you from doing it, post that reason here, now, and let the Jobcase community help you resolve it!

Wearing inappropriate clothing to an interview could cost you the job. An interviewer's first impression is often a lasting one, so the way you present yourself is very important. Check out some tips to help you dress to impress for your next interview or job fair!

Women's Professional Interview Attire -Stick to solid colors (avoid patterns, but if you must stick to subtle ones and avoid those that will have them looking at your clothes instead of at your face.) -A suit with a button up shirt worn underneath -Mid length skirt (a little below the knee and/or longer is fine) 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) -Neat, professional hairstyle -Light makeup and very little perfume (one spray a few hours beforehand) -Manicured nails (avoid chipped and overly bright nail polish, think neutrals)

Men's Professional Interview Attire -Stick to solid colors -Consider a conservative suit (if you can't wear a suit consider wearing your best dress shirt, tie, and slacks) -Long sleeve button up shirt (again a solid color) and coordinating dress pants -Conservative tie (stick to solids no crazy patterns, logos, etc.) Dark socks paired with professional dress shoes (no sneakers) Limited jewelry Neat, professional hairstyle (grab a hair cut a few days before) Trimmed/well groomed facial hair Go easy on the aftershave or cologne (it could over power the interviewer) Neat and clean trimmed nails

AVOID -Wrinkled clothes, scuffed or dirty shoes, chipped nail polish, etc. -Showing too much skin (no shorts, short skirts, or low cut tops) -Wearing clothes that are too tight/clingy or too baggy -Wearing anything that makes noise (avoid charm bracelets, bangles, jangling keys, or fabrics that make a lot of distracting noise when you walk) -Wearing too-casual clothing (no shorts, capris, spaghetti straps, tank tops, flip flops, sandals, or jeans) -Ringing cell phones, they should be turned off or on vibrate at all times -Chewing gum (that will turn any employer right off)

Remember to prep a week before, so you can shop for clothing if you need to. Try different things at home and see how you feel!

Once you are comfortable in your interview attire, you will exude confidence to prospective employers. Be sure to iron and lay the outfit out NOW so it's all set to go when your next interview or job fair arrives!!

If you have any other tips that have worked well for you please share them here!

Good luck : )

Here are some things you should bring with you to a job fair!

-Print and pack at least 50-60 copies of your polished and updated resume. You will want to hand these out to all the employers you are interested in working for. It’s always best to print more than you need than not have enough! Tuck them into a folder for safekeeping and place them in a bag so your hands are free.

-A pencil, pen, and a notebook. You will want to take notes! They will come in very handy later on when you get home and the whole job fair is a blur. This also will help when following up with the employer! List the company name and what you thought about each one and specific information right after you meet with them. Even jotting down something as simple as, "They have great benefits" will help jog your memory later on.

-Tuck a package of mints in your pocket or purse. Then just grab a few throughout the job fair to keep your throat from getting dry and your breath fresh. You will be talking a ton!

-Bring and show off your positive attitude! Employers LOVE to see smiles and feel a strong handshake. If you’re nervous, take some deep breaths before approaching someone. It’s always better to take a few seconds to calm down so you can show your best self!

Anything else you would bring to a job fair?

The Urban League is hosting the MLK Day of Service Jobs & Opportunities Fair!

Job opportunities will be available in various industries, including healthcare, retail, technology, and more.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, including job fair advice, navigating today's job market, resume coaching and interviewing skills, starting a small business, and much more!

It's definitely worth your time, so we hope you stop by!

When- Monday, January 20th from 9-12 pm.

Where- Girard College 2101 South College Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19121

How Register [here] (http://bit.ly/2T25Nbz).

Have questions?

Please ask!

With hundreds of eager job seekers attending the Urban League of Philadelphia job fair, you will most likely have ~30 seconds to catch the attention of a hiring rep and make a lasting impression!

Make sure to “wow!” them with an expertly crafted Elevator Pitch. The goal of this pitch is to communicate

• Who you are
• What you do
• What your goals are
• Why you would be an asset to their team

Use vibrant and colorful vocabulary to help paint an authentic picture of who you are professionally. Don't forget to smile and make eye contact!

Leading up to the job fair, be sure to practice your elevator pitch! Grab a family member, friend, coworker, pet or anyone else willing to listen and give it a go. Be sure to ask for feedback :)

What does YOUR elevator pitch sound like?! Comment below!

Ever wonder what to expect from a job fair?

Check out THESE awesome tips in this [short video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImvXosJg7D4).

It was made just for you by Jobcase! : )

Have questions?

Please ask, we are here to help!