Be the next to follow.
If you attended the Cincinnati job fair then this is the post for you! Now that the fair is over, it's time to follow up! Doing so lets the employer know you are serious, reminds them of who you are (they met a TON of people), your qualifications, and keeps the hiring process moving along.
So let’s take a look at how following up works...
•When- Send your follow up at least 1-2 business days after an interview or job fair.
•Who- You must be sure to reach out to the right person! Whether you jotted the employer’s email address down in a notebook, found it on the website, or have a business card, make sure to reach out directly to the person you spoke to or the hiring manager. By sending it to an individual (and make sure to address it to them) you will avoid it being lost in the shuffle.
•How- You can follow up with a call, email, or thank you card. Email is suggested as it’s instant and will give you the proper amount of time to gather your thoughts, however, there is also something wonderfully personal about receiving a handwritten note if you can send it quickly. See what to say in your follow up [HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/3a2695c7-ced7-5bea-af4e-8789f758e97b).
•What- Make sure it’s personal. Remember that employers have likely met and spoken to MANY candidates so it’s unlikely they will automatically remember you. If you had a good conversation during the interview, make note of something you discussed and mention it. Perhaps you both went to a certain college or own black labs. It’s all about forging a connection! Also be sure to explain how excited you’d be to work for them. Mention the main reasons why you would be the right person for the job by emphasizing your strengths and capabilities while demonstrating that you are a great fit. Keep it short and straight to the point.
A follow up is a great way to include those final things you may have neglected to mention at the job fair so make sure not to forget to take the time to do so.
Please comment with any questions!
We hope the fair went well : )
Has a potential (or existing) employer ever asked you for your graduation year? If so, you are NOT alone. This may seem like a harmless question, but chances are the employer is trying to determine your age. Here are some things you should know and what you can do!
-What employers CAN ask The Age Discrimination in Employment Act does NOT prohibit an employer from asking about an applicant’s (or employee’s age), or from asking other questions that may help the employer determine a person’s age such as when you graduated high school or college. It is currently legal for them to inquire.
-What they CAN’T do It is however 100% illegal for the employer to take that information (graduation date, age, etc) and then discriminate based on that individual’s age. For example, saying “You are too old for this role.”
-Is this happening to OTHER people According to AARP, two out of three workers between ages 45 and 74 say they have seen or experienced age discrimination at work, and job seekers over age 35 cite it as a top obstacle to getting hired. If you happen to work in the high-tech or entertainment industries, your chances of experiencing age discrimination are even higher.
-What YOU can do Unfortunately, you cannot prevent someone from inquiring about your age. If they truly want to know they will likely ask, but if they do, answer honestly and with confidence. Make sure your skills are updated and clearly show in your resume that you can take on the role before you even apply. If your skills aren’t current, take a class or two and be prepared before you apply. When in doubt if you feel the company just might not be right for you, do your research! Check out [this post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/d98a6946-b042-5278-8899-45b1326fd186) on how to determine a company’s culture, and learn more about how to defeat ageism [HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/aaf4f67d-20de-5386-b129-a47d2fa9b8e8).
Now go out there, apply, and rock those [interviews] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/29869635-4d8f-502f-b912-2211f8b674d8).
If you’ve recently been let go from a job it can make you feel angry, confused, and unsure of what to do next. You may have seen the term "at-will" thrown around and you aren't even quite sure what that is. Let’s take a look!
• What does “at-will” mean? If you work for a company and you are considered an “at-will” employee, this means you can be dismissed by an employer for any reason without having to establish "just cause" for termination and without warning. This is as long as the reason is not illegal (such as discrimination).
• How do I know if I am at-will? Many job applicants and new employees are asked to sign a written statement agreeing that they are (or will be) employed at will. This statement may appear in an employment application, contract or offer letter that the employer asks you to sign and return, an acknowledgment form for an employee handbook, or elsewhere.
• Is my state at-will? While all states recognize at-will employment some states place limitations on it. These limitations are in addition to the ones that federal laws apply to all states. Here's the breakdown of states that have at-will exceptions [HERE] (http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/at-will-employment-exceptions-by-state.aspx).
• Now what? Check out Matt Bornhorst 's post **[HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/a8a4881a-95be-59b1-ba56-06a1baeac048)**about the next steps to take! If you feel you have been discriminated against and the conditions of the termination are illegal, be sure to contact a legal representative.
Stay strong, you will move past this and onto something wonderful!
Were you ever let go from a job?
Share your experience in the comments below!
Meet Izzi : )
Izzi is a shift leader at Whole Foods that oversees 9 different departments at her store. She has some GREAT advice to share for those looking to work in retail and how to make yourself stand out!
Check out her words of wisdom for you in [THIS video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbImmPITq_E).
What are YOUR experiences with retail?
Let us know by commenting below!
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your next job fair experience!
• Come prepared Before you arrive at the fair take some time to review the list of employers and their job opportunities on their websites. Also look into what the company does and what makes them special. Researching a company will allow you to ask very focused and specific questions. This will impress employers as it shows a genuine interest in them!
• Allow yourself time Come as early as possible. Typically, fairs are busiest during the lunch hour. Fairs also close promptly at their set ending times to accommodate employers.
• Take it all in When you arrive, take a few minutes to review the map and directory for the fair. You may feel more comfortable if you quickly locate and walk by the employers you're the most interested in speaking with. This will allow you to know their location so you can get to them first before the lines form.
• Jot down some notes Pack a mini notebook and a pen. This way you can remember things the employer mentioned to you in your discussion such as salary, job details, culture, etc. You can also add some personal details for example (“rep of FedEx Gary likes dogs as much as I do.”) This will also help you to forge a connection later when you send a [follow up] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/01d183e9-bbb2-51f8-8eb1-9e39062049a5).
• Ask for a business card Having the business card of the employer you have just spoken is fantastic! Now, you have a direct contact with the organization, including the proper spelling of the employer’s name, email address, direct telephone line, etc. You can use this to follow up and thank them for their time.
Wishing you good luck! : )
Have questions? Please comment below.
When getting ready for a job fair it’s important to ensure you are ready, and this includes what you're going to wear.
It is NEVER a good idea to wear jeans at a job fair.
Here’s why:
• Many organizations who host the job fairs have a dress code and jeans are a big no, no.
• You will be meeting with multiple companies throughout the day and want to make a great first impression with ALL of them. Dress to impress no matter what!
• Treat this as if you were interviewing for your dream job. Would you show up in jeans for the interview?
• Wearing jeans says to potential employers that you are dressed casually and at a glance, they may decide that you are not a serious candidate versus the next person who IS dressed professionally.
What to wear instead of jeans:
• Dress pants (khakis or dark colored pants) without any stains, holes, rips, and wrinkles. Also, avoid sweatpants and shorts. Think professional dress!
• You can pick up a pair of dress pants at Walmart, Macy's, Target, Kohl's, the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Target, or at any clothing store nearby that works well for you! If you don't want to buy some consider borrowing a pair from a friend or family member for the event.
For more tips on what you should wear to a job fair please check out [this information] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/60d77b2f-6640-5331-8816-dca310ec58bf?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity).
Wishing you the best of luck in all future job fairs.
Have questions? Please comment below!
Headed to the [Cincinnati job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/cw-job-fair) or a different one?
Keep these things in mind!
As you approach the employer’s table make sure you are friendly, confident, and most importantly prepared with something to say. Be different and stand out! Don’t fall back on chatting about the weather because 100 other people will likely be doing the same exact thing. Instead, research the companies you are going to chat with beforehand and lead with something to catch their attention.
“Hello! My name is….I am really impressed that your company…”
As you speak SMILE, make good eye contact, and offer a brief, firm [handshake] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/522f52e3-d800-59dd-bc7e-26eaa14be6d1).
Many times the employer will take the lead by asking you a few questions, so have your [elevator pitch ready] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/7af45c96-9dbb-555e-8bf0-eed09382fc67?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity). This is a 30-second synopsis of what you'd like the company to know about you, and how it pertains to them. Practice your pitch so you're comfortable and confident speaking about yourself. It does take practice!
Make sure not to go too fast when you speak. Job seekers have a tendency to speak quickly as there is a lot to say in a short period of time, but this can comes across as rushed or implies you’re nervous when in fact you are not.
Speak slowly, listen, and engage your audience.
So, what’s YOUR game plan to get hired at your next job fair?
The most common question asked during an interview or at a job fair is, “Why should we hire you?”
Answering these 5 simple questions and writing them down will help you pull your pitch together in NO time, so you feel prepared and confident. Let's take a look!
• What is the EXACT job description (write it down) and how do MY skills match up with it? Be as specific as possible.
• 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!
• What are three awesome things I did in my previous role (think skills and experiences) that I can offer in this one?
• What are the five strongest reasons I am a great fit for this job?
• What are some positive things I can say about the company I want to to work for, and how can I connect what they do with what I can bring to them?
Tips/tricks
-Tailor your pitch to the company, make it about them!
-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 and ramble.
-By the end of the pitch, the employer should know who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for.
Check out these [samples pitches] (https://www.thebalancecareers.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976) and other ideas!
So, what will you say when they ask...
Why should we hire you?
Why do YOU follow other community members?
You all know Matt B - Community Team Member extraordinaire here at Jobcase. Here's what Matt has to say about following.
To follow Matt, click here!
If you spent time applying or going through the interview process and now it’s all over you might be left wondering…”NOW what?” If you followed up, awesome! If you didn’t, keep reading and learn the importance and how to go about it.
Following up is a critical aspect of the job seeking process. It does a few things. It lets the employer know you are serious, reminds them of who you are and your qualifications, and keeps the hiring process moving along. So let’s take a look at how following up works.
•When- Send your follow up at least 1-2 business days after an interview and 2-3 business days after submitting an application. See more about following up after an application in Matt Bornhorst 's post [HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/1a5dc93f-d04e-5a34-8e38-215550b0f363).
•Who- You must be sure to reach out to the right person! Whether you jotted the employer’s email address down in a notebook or found it on the website, make sure to reach out directly to the person you spoke to or the hiring manager. By sending it to an individual (and make sure to address it to them) you will avoid it being lost in the shuffle.
•How- You can follow up with a call, email, or [thank you card] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/6f8322ea-b3fd-5930-98b9-d8d30b735880). Email is suggested as it’s instant and will give you the proper amount of time to gather your thoughts, however, there is also something wonderfully personal about receiving a handwritten note if you can send it quickly. See what to say in your follow up [HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/3a2695c7-ced7-5bea-af4e-8789f758e97b).
•What- Make sure it’s personal. Remember that employers have likely met and spoken to MANY candidates so it’s unlikely they will automatically remember you. If you had a good conversation during the interview, make note of something you discussed and mention it. Perhaps you both went to a certain college or own black labs. It’s all about forging a connection! Also be sure to explain how excited you’d be to work for them. Mention the main reasons why you would be the right person for the job by emphasizing your strengths and capabilities while demonstrating that you are a great fit. Keep it short and straight to the point.
A follow up is a great way to include those final things you may have neglected to mention during the interview or hiring process so make sure not to forget to take the time to do so.
Please comment with any questions!
Happy following up ; )