All around the Phoenix Metro area there are hiring events, job fairs and open houses happening this month that we want to help you find and prepare for. In addition to some events from our current listings for job fairs and open houses, we’ll give you some insights and tips on making the most of your time at these events and increasing your odds of success.
April Job Fairs Around the Valley:
GO AZ Motorcycles wants to meet you at a job fair at their Scottsdale location on Monday, April 11th. The event will be hosted outside on their front patio and they’ll be looking for employees that have a love of motorcycles for jobs in Sales, Service, Parts, E-Commerce and Apparel.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria will be holding job fairs on April 12th, 13th, 16th, and 19th. They’re looking for energetic people to fill a variety of roles including: Kitchen Staff, Servers, Hosts & Cashiers, Bus Staff, Phone Staff, Delivery Drivers, and Bartenders.
Chandler Gilbert Arc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to adolescents with developmental disabilities will be holding a hiring event on Thursday, April 21st. Positions that need to be filled include: Direct Support Professional, Assistant Manager, and Manager.
Still under construction, a brand new Burger King in Cave Creek is hiring for all restaurant positions at a job fair on April 28th.
Before the Job Fair:
- Resumes and applications. Be prepared with your resume, but also know that many employers will want you to follow-up with an application online or fill one out prior to the event. Read each company’s listing and follow their instructions carefully on where to apply and what to bring with you to the event (resumes, identification, etc.). It is important to show respect for each employer’s hiring process and ensure that you make a good impression.
- Travel. Look up the location ahead of time and judge the traffic at the time of day you’ll be travelling to the venue. Plan to get to the event with plenty of time to make sure you can speak to each employer you want to.
- Scheduling. Try to block the time of the job fair so that any of your other obligations are handled. Whether it is a sick pet, a child, or another job – solving your scheduling issues ahead of time means you will be able to focus on meeting employers one-on-one. Think of it this way, a job fair is like an interview, so arrange in a similar way.
- Prepare. Research the employer and the types of positions they are advertising online. Make notes and write down any questions you have for the employer pertaining to their company or job openings. Try to focus your questions around the demands, challenges, or details of the job and what they are looking for in a new employee.
At the Job Fair:
- Dress for success. Wear the same outfit you would wear for an interview. Depending on the position or type of event you are going to, business professional or business casual are likely to be appropriate attire. Whatever you wear, make sure it is neat and clean. Choose comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be on your feet most of the time and may need to walk quite a bit to meet all your the employers on your list. As always, practice good grooming and remember to smile.
- Manners. Make eye contact and begin each interaction with a handshake and a smile. This one might sound obvious, but frequently candidates overlook this easy opportunity to make a good first impression. Introduce yourself and be sure to focus your attention on the recruiter or hiring manager while you are speaking with them. Respect your fellow attendees by not speaking for too long, and then thank the employer for their time.
- Business Cards. When you speak to someone ask for their business card or for a way to follow-up with them. They may direct you to a website, if this is the case, take note of who you spoke with and how to follow-up.
After the Job Fair:
- Follow up. Stand out by taking the time to follow-up with employers. In a cover letter, indicate who you have spoken with and where you met them. In a thank you note, briefly remind them of where you met and any relevant details of your conversation. Submit any online applications for companies you are interested in and that require it. Make the most of your time at the job fair, by performing this crucial and often overlooked final step.