Are you ready for your next job fair/interview? Be sure you take a little time today to prepare for tomorrow!
-Lay out your interview outfit so it's all set and ready to go. Check to make sure it's clean and wrinkle free. Check out some tips on what to wear to the interview [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/60d77b2f-6640-5331-8816-dca310ec58bf?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity).
-Grab those resumes, (50 copies) and place them in a folder. Be sure to tuck them away in a purse, brief case, or bag along with your [business cards] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/cb795458-c78b-5403-abca-08908c09d94e) if you have some handy. 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 the morning of. 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 lunch time!
-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 more calm and focused.
-Plan how you will get there and how long it will take with [Google maps] (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3702046,-71.0785731,14z) It’s always helpful to plan ahead!
-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! Still having trouble? Check out what to [avoid in your pitch] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/7af45c96-9dbb-555e-8bf0-eed09382fc67?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity)
-Make sure you have written down 3-5 questions in a notebook that you want to ask that companu. Don't forget to pack that notebook as well as a few pens/pencils.
-Know what that company does and their mission. If you haven’t researched it yet, take a sometime to see what they are all about and take some notes! Remember, your pitch should be tailored to what YOU bring to that company based on what they do.
-Nervous and not sure what to say to break the ice? Practice a few of these [conversation starters] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/ba14843b-2d1e-54ab-8453-c29341ebc60b?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fgroups%252F74f34b74-2b6b-4d09-bf76-b608c2f1b28c%253Fpage%253D2) to get things rolling.
Good luck!!
Looking for the next opportunity? You can [begin here] (https://www.jobcase.com/jobs/search).
The most common question asked during an interview is, “Why should we hire you?” Answer these 5 simple questions to help you pull your pitch together in NO time!
1 What are the 5 strongest reasons I am a great fit for this job?
2 What are 4 positive things I can say about the company, and how can I connect what they do to what I can bring to them?
3 What are 3 positive things I did in my previous job that I can offer in this one?
4 Why do I really want this job beyond having a steady paycheck and/or benefits/other perks? Make sure to focus on what you can bring to them not the other way around!
5 What is the EXACT job description (write it down) and how do MY skills match up with it? Be as specific as possible.
Tips/tricks
-Tailor your pitch to the company, focus more on them than yourself.
-Keep your pitch simple, short and memorable. It should be 30 seconds to a minute but not much longer. -----
-They want to know what you bring to the table so stick to your plan and don’t lose focus.
-By the end of the pitch they should know who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for.
By answering these questions you will know what to say, feel confident and OWN the interview!
What do YOU do to get your pitch ready?
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)
Still stumped? Check out these interview clothing ideas for men and women
Remember to prep a week before, so you can shop for clothing if you need to. 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 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 : )
The Cincinnati Works Job Fair is coming up!! Get the info you need below:
Date Tuesday, October 31st
Time From 10am-12pm.
Location It will be hosted at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati 2400 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Grab directions [here] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/2400+Reading+Rd,+Cincinnati,+OH+45202/@39.1256631,-84.5037182,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8841b3c1fee36c8f:0x44de90d04f8218e2!8m2!3d39.1256631!4d-84.5015295)
Age You MUST be 18 or older to attend!
Dress To impress as you would for a traditional interview. No Halloween costumes ; )
What to bring Check that out [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/ac66f52a-8f34-5972-8ae6-f981dec7e690?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fgroups%252F74f34b74-2b6b-4d09-bf76-b608c2f1b28c)
List of companies that will be there You can find those [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/8f511433-e497-58f1-9098-be0577b550ff?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fgroups%252F74f34b74-2b6b-4d09-bf76-b608c2f1b28c).
We hope to see you there!! : )
Instead of sitting quietly, building a rapport with your interviewers before getting into the nitty-gritty details of the job can give you a major competitive edge over other candidates. Plus the interview will feel more like a friendly conversation which can certainly help calm those nerves (bonus)!
The key is to find something in common, and when in doubt always bring it back to the interviewer and the company. Remember, it's less about you, more about them. Try these out during your next interview or even at a 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.
2. What was the most pleasantly surprising thing about working here you learned once you were on the job? It a good idea to keep the conversation focused on the interviewee 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.
4. I read a really compelling article this morning on the way to the interview. Discuss it a little and if the interviewer seems interested continue, if not gracefully move on. Again, don’t monopolize the conversation! Although it is technically YOUR job interview, this is more about them than you.
5. What's one of the most interesting projects or opportunities that you've worked on? Interviewers 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 give the interviewer a chance to talk about their own accomplishments.
Remember to keep bringing it back to the interviewer/company and your interest in it!
Good luck : )
There will be some great employers at the October 31st Cincinnati Works Job Fair, including the companies below!
To learn more about the job fair and to register, click here
Check out the links below to some of their open jobs- great way to prepare in advance for success at the job fair! Get to know the employers, review their job info, and keep asking/answering questions here on Jobcase to help yourself to be the best prepared that you can be!
3CDC Check out a listing of their open jobs
Amazon Check out a listing of their open jobs
Castellini Group Check out a listing of their open jobs
Charter Spectrum Check out a listing of their open jobs
Children’s Inc. Check out a listing of their open jobs
Children’s Hospital Check out a listing of their open jobs
DHL Check out a listing of their open jobs
FedEx Check out a listing of their open jobs
Fifth Third Bank Check out a listing of their open jobs
Hilton Check out a listing of their open jobs
Jack Casino Check out a listing of their open jobs
Jancoa Check out a listing of their open jobs
JBM Check out a listing of their open jobs
Kroger Check out a listing of their open jobs
Lithko Contracting Check out a listing of their open jobs
McLane Food Service Check out a listing of their open jobs
Sysco Foods Check out a listing of their open jobs
UPS (Warehouse) Check out a listing of their open jobs
Volunteers of America Check out a listing of their open jobs
Whelan Security Check out a listing of their open jobs
Woodforest National Bank Check out a listing of their open jobs
Wornick Foods Check out a listing of their open jobs
#JobFairSuccessCincinnati #Jobfair #Network #Cincinnati #CincinnatiJobs #CincinnatiJobfair #Employers
Our profiles/resumes are now online and with email we barely use paper anymore, but the one paper item you need in today’s job market is a business card. They are PERFECT for giving out at events like a job fair or even after an interview.
I know what you’re thinking, I don’t even own a business I don’t need that. Even if this is true, when you think about it, YOU are your own business. Each time you go on interviews you are in the business of finding a job and selling yourself.
You want those who interview you to remember you days after an interview is over, and not forget you seconds later. A simple business card helps you achieve just that and remind them of who they just met! It does not need to be fancy or expensive. What it does need to do is have the following info:
1- Your first and last name 2- Your email (make sure it’s current) 3- Your phone number (again current) 4- Optional you can add a few words about who you are or what job role you are looking for, an inspirational quote, or small list of attributes about yourself (like a mini pitch).
Design a card and have them printed and ready for pickup the same day at your local [Staples] (https://design.staples.com/business-cards?cid=PS:GS:CP:CP:e:28:71700000024972939:staples+business+cards:p24099268377&cvosrc=ppc%20nonbrand.google-cpc.staples+business+cards&cvo_cid=909374119&cvo_crid=217841500534&Matchtype=e&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvLeE4Kzr1gIVTVmGCh2ExAybEAAYASAAEgL9tPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Or for more design options try [Vistaprint] (https://www.vistaprint.com/business-cards?txi=15626&xnid=TopNav_Business+Cards&xnav=TopNav) just make sure to check shipping and production times to ensure it arrives in time for when you need it.
Avoid these 6 pitch mistakes! A pitch is a clear, brief message that is ALL about you. It communicates who you are, what you're looking for in a job, and how that employer can benefit from hiring you.
This can happen on an interview, at a job fair, on a chance meeting, at a networking event or pretty much anywhere there is a hiring opportunity. Be sure to avoid the following:
1- Speaking too fast. Yes, you only have about 60 seconds to impress, but try to avoid cramming 15 minutes of information into one minute. It might sound strange.
***2- Using highly technical terms, acronyms or slang.***You want your pitch to be easily understood by any audience. The last thing you want is for whoever is listening to you to feel foolish.
3- Not being focused. This isn’t just ANY conversation and you’re not discussing the weather (unless that’s your job, in which case, never mind). Keep your pitch clear and focused.
4- Not practicing what you’re going to say. First, write down your pitch. Read it over. Have your friends and family read it. Does it make sense? Make sure it flows well and that there aren’t any spots that feel awkward. Then practice it. Practice it again. Keep practicing it until it becomes easy and comfortable to say and get it memorized in that brain!!
5- Being robotic. This is all about a face to face interaction with someone you want to impress. Having an easy, approachable, conversational style to your pitch will get you much further than an overly rehearsed speech.
Good luck! : )
It’s important to be prepared, you will have a LOT going on! Let’s make it a bit easier for you by having you bring the following to the job fair:
-At least 15-20 copies of your polished and updated resume. You will want to hand these out to all the jobs you are interested in and they will ask for a copy as well.
-Business cards. They make for a great “so nice to meet you” moment when you hand one to the potential employer. They will also help them remember who you are.
-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.
-Mints to keep your throat from getting dry. You will be talking a ton!
-Your positive attitude, it’s time to step it up! Employers LOVE to see smiles and feel a strong handshake. So remember this is about you landing a job so show your best self.
You have got this! Good luck : )
You may only have 30 seconds to make a favorable first impression at the Cincinnati Works job fair. Company reps from your target companies are going to be fielding questions and having conversations with hundreds of eager job seekers during the event.
Catch their attention with an expertly crafted Elevator Pitch! The foundation of any good Elevator Pitch is to communicate what you do, what your goals are, and what makes you unique. You want to be memorable, so don’t be afraid to use bold and descriptive vocabulary to paint a colorful picture of who you are professionally. The final key to a truly captivating Elevator Pitch is delivery. You need employers to buy your pitch, but if you can’t convey the words you chose in a confident and heartfelt manner, even the best Elevator Pitch will feel flat and disingenuous.
Like with anything, practice makes perfect! Practice on your friends, family, pets— anyone who will listen. Practice early and often and gather as much feedback as you can from others. That way, when you get to the job fair, you’ll have your Elevator Pitch totally down pat and you can focus on using it to connect with potential employers.
So what’s your pitch sound like? Click “Reply” and submit your Elevator Pitch below to receive feedback, pointers and encouragement from other Jobcasers.