Instead of staying silent during a job fair or interview SPEAK UP and let your voice be heard!

By building a rapport with the employers before getting into the nitty-gritty details of the job it can give you a major competitive edge over other candidates. Plus it will feel more like a friendly conversation which can certainly help calm those nerves. You can also use this information later on when following up.

Remember, these questions are not about you, but about them and the focus on building a connection. Try these out during your next job fair, interview or 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. Make sure to smile!

2. What was the most pleasantly surprising thing about working here you learned once you were on the job? It's a good idea to keep the conversation focused on the employer 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 as well as help you feel out what the culture is like.

4. I read a really great article this morning on the way over here today. Discuss it a little if it connects to the company and if the employer seems interested, continue, if not gracefully move on.

5. What's one of the most interesting projects or opportunities that you've worked on? Employers 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 as give them a chance to talk about their own accomplishments.

6. What is it about (company name) that you love the most? This will tell you what the employer cares about but also what makes the company special.

Remember to keep bringing it back to the interviewer/company and your interest in it!

Good luck : )

Have questions? Please comment I am here to help!

Hey Chicago, are you ready?

The [job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/chicago-job-fair) is next Tuesday, June 18th from 10-2pm at the UIC Forum located at 725 W. Roosevelt Rd.

Find out all the info [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/chicago-job-fair).

NOW is the time to make those final preparations so you are confident and ready to go! Check out these tips to help you prepare for the fair as the weekend approaches!

-Friday Know the companies you are interested in and research their mission/culture TODAY. 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. They will be impressed! Wondering who will be there? Find out [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/547be614-58a1-538c-916a-65ed8a0badef)

-Saturday Print and pack at least 50 copies of your resume and place them in a folder, or notebook and then tuck them away in a bag. You can run to Staples, your local library or print at home. Just make sure your resumes are easily accessible when an employer requests a copy, so you don't have to go digging for it!

-Sunday Practice and perfect your [elevator pitch] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/c0253dd6-f61a-5c1c-910a-92cbb6b583fd) so you are ready to WOW employers on the spot!!

-Monday Plan to get to the fair on time. Figure out how you will arrive and how long it will take with Google maps. Are you sharing a ride, walking, taking the train or a Lyft? Just have your plan in place! If you can, arrive a little bit early (15mins) to calm your nerves and take a lap around the room when the doors open up.

-Monday Lay out your clothing out the day 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).

-Monday night 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.

-Tuesday morning 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!

Also, be sure to 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?

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 this week! You have got this! : )

Have questions? Please ask!

The [Chicago job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/chicago-job-fair) is coming up on June 18th which is next Tuesday!!

There has never been a better time to prepare your elevator pitch than right NOW so you are set and ready to go : )

So what is an elevator pitch?

An elevator 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.

Follow these tips to help create and perfect yours!

Tell us, what is your elevator pitch?

Need some help? Please feel free to ask!

If you are attending the [Chicago job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/chicago-job-fair) or others in the near future make sure to 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!

Wishing everyone who attends the [Boston job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair) today lots of luck and success!

Here are some tips to check out in case you missed them:

-If you're looking for better ways to connect with employers check out [this post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/9584e7e5-4bc2-5d17-9a69-ae0937aaf305).

-If you're wondering what to wear check out [this post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/6f6c3028-c553-5d3c-a984-aeeb7b685c01).

-If you want to know what you should bring to the job fair read [this post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/b94caf77-58de-5f94-867b-20bb32db2e54).

-If you're struggling with your elevator pitch check out [this post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/dc3493dd-305e-50b8-9c6f-9bfb13ec7e9d).

Remember to breathe, take notes and pass out those resumes.

You have got this!!

Have questions? Please comment and ask, we are happy to help! : )

WIth the Boston job fair coming tomorrow (Thursday, June 6th) there has never been a better time to prepare your elevator pitch than right NOW!

An elevator 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.

Follow these tips to help create and perfect yours!

Tell us, what is your elevator pitch?

Need some help? Please feel free to ask!

If you are attending the [Boston job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair) or others in the near future make sure to 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!

First impressions are everything, right? So you want to make sure you are dressed professionally for your next job fair or interview and set the tone!

So what does that mean exactly?

Check out these tips to help you dress to impress for the [Chicago Job Fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/chicago-job-fair) on Tuesday, June 18th!

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 overpower the interviewer) Neat and clean trimmed nails

AVOID -Jeans, shorts, or ripped clothing -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, jeans, 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) pop a mint instead

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. Stores such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill also offer some great affordable options!

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.

Have questions? Please ask!

Hey Boston, are you ready?

The job fair is this Thursday, June 6th from 1-4pm at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center!

Find out all the info [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair).

NOW is the time to make those final preparations so you are confident and ready to go! Check out these tips to help you prepare for the fair.

-Monday Know the companies you are interested in and research their mission/culture TODAY. 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. They will be impressed! Wondering who will be there? Find out [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/35447421-6e61-55be-a3d4-95cee946fa77)

-Monday or Tuesday Print and pack at least 50 copies of your resume and place them in a folder, or notebook and then tuck them away in a bag. You can run to Staples, your local library or print at home. Just make sure your resumes are easily accessible when an employer requests a copy, so you don't have to go digging for it!

-Tuesday Plan to get to the fair on time. Figure out how you will get there and how long it will take with Google maps. Are you sharing a ride, walking, taking the train or a Lyft? Just have your plan in place! If you can, arrive a little bit early (15mins) to calm your nerves and take a lap around the room when the doors open up.

-Wednesday Lay out your clothing the day 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).

-Wednesday night 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.

-Thursday morning 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!

Also, be sure to 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?

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 this week! : )

Have questions? Please ask!

The hardest part of my job search is building my network and finding leads.