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!
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!
I am going to a job fair in Boston next week and I am happy about it, but I get really nervous, like sick to my stomach can't talk to anyone nervous. How do you get past this?!! I always get nervous at a new job but then I get over it. Job fairs are different. All those people just make my anxiety soar. Anything that works for you guys?
Headed to a job fair? 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. 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.
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. Before you go to the job fair think about why you’re interested in that particular company and how your skills or qualifications suit the position. Practice your pitch so you're comfortable and confident speaking about yourself. It does take practice!
Just make sure not to go too fast! Job seekers have a tendency to speak quickly as there is a lot to say in a short period, but this can comes across as rushed or implies you’re nervous when in fact you are not. Speak slowly, clearly, be sure to listen and engage your audience.
So, what’s YOUR game plan to get hired at your next job fair?
One of the most common questions asked during an interview or at a job fair is…
Can you tell me about yourself?
Other variations could include... -Why should we hire you? -Why do you want to work here? -What is it about us that makes you want to work here?
Answer these 5 questions to help you plan what to say so you can impress employers at your next job fair or interview!
1- What are the three strongest reasons I am a great fit for this job?
2- What are some positive things I can say about the company, and how can I connect what they do with what I can bring to them?
3- Why do I really want this job beyond having a steady paycheck and perks?
4- What are three AWESOME things I did in my previous position that I can also offer in this new role?
5- What is the EXACT job description (make sure to write it down) and how do MY skills match up with it? Be as specific as possible.
By taking 15 minutes out of your day to answer these questions, it will help you feel prepared to go in with some great things to say!
Make sure to check out [which companies are hiring] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/35447421-6e61-55be-a3d4-95cee946fa77) and spend a little time researching the company you want to work for and the jobs they are offering!
Good luck ; ) we are rooting for you!!
Questions? Please ask!
The Chicago job fair is COMING up on Tuesday, June 18th from 10-2!
If you haven’t already, be sure to [register HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/chicago-job-fair) so you can have the chance to meet and interview with over 100 local Chicago employers! Full company list coming soon.
Jobcase is also offering FREE headshots at the event so make sure you don't miss out.
Here are some tips to help you begin preparing for the fair:
Start thinking about clothing 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).
Update and print those resumes Update your resume with all of your most relevant work experiences and skills. Then be sure to print and get ready to pack at least 50 copies and place them in a folder, or notebook and then tuck them away in a bag. Place them somewhere your resumes will be easily accessible the day of the fair when an employer requests a copy. This way you don't have to go digging for it! Don’t have a printer? No problem, check out some great advice [HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/4d3535bd-34ee-5eb3-9d7e-fc2f066d82a6).
Write out and practice your pitch Whether it’s in the shower, to friends or family or even your pet rehearse it out loud so you build up that confidence! What will you say in 20-30 seconds to grab that employer’s attention? Need some help? Check out [THIS post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/d11f70ef-0d6e-5730-8610-36528b33a832).
Know how to break the ice Practice a few of these [conversation starters] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/6d46f61d-c53b-5ec5-9d7c-69cc61713f6a) to get things rolling when you approach an employer. No one likes those awkward silences.
More tips coming soon ; ) and we hope to see you in a few weeks at the [Chicago job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/chicago-job-fair)!
Please comment below with any questions, I am happy to help!
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!
The Boston job fair is COMING up on Thursday, June 6th from 1-4!
If you haven’t already, be sure to [register HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair) so you have the chance to meet and interview with some GREAT companies like Apple and Boston Children's Hospital. Full company list coming soon!
ULEM (Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts) is also offering several FREE career workshops onsite before the event begins to help you stand out and get hired. Be sure to take advantage!
Here are some tips to help you begin preparing for the fair:
Start thinking about clothing 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).
Update and print those resumes Update your resume with all of your most relevant work experiences and skills. Then be sure to print and get ready to pack at least 50 copies and place them in a folder, or notebook and then tuck them away in a bag. Place them somewhere your resumes will be easily accessible the day of the fair when an employer requests a copy. This way you don't have to go digging for it! Don’t have a printer? No problem, check out some great advice [HERE] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/4d3535bd-34ee-5eb3-9d7e-fc2f066d82a6).
Write out and practice your pitch Whether it’s in the shower, to friends or family or even your pet rehearse it out loud so you build up that confidence! What will you say in 20-30 seconds to grab that employer’s attention? Need some help? Check out [THIS post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/d11f70ef-0d6e-5730-8610-36528b33a832).
Know how to break the ice Practice a few of these [conversation starters] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/6d46f61d-c53b-5ec5-9d7c-69cc61713f6a) to get things rolling when you approach an employer. No one likes those awkward silences.
More tips coming soon ; ) and we hope to see you in a few weeks at the [Boston job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair)!
Please comment below with any questions
Your resume showcases all the things an employer is looking for and each has certain expectations that they would like you to fulfill. It’s important to demonstrate in your resume how/why you are the perfect fit.
Check out these tips on how to make your resume stronger and desirable to employers!
1- Have the qualifications for the job Increase your chances of being hired by tailoring your resume specifically to jobs that you are qualified for and are interested in doing. You don’t always need to meet 100% of the requirements that job postings ask for, but do make sure that you have at least 75% of the qualifications. Present them in easy-to-read sentences and bullet points. Highlight your past accomplishments to show how you can excel at the job.
2- Make it easy for them to contact you Place your contact info right up at the top of your resume. Be sure your email sounds professional. If it begins with cutiepie107 or a bunch of random letters and numbers create a new one with your name, such as Jsmith for example. Keep it professional! List your phone number as well and make sure that once you put it out there you are checking your messages.
3-Show that you want the job The first thing an employer is going to notice is if your resume is relevant to the job that they are hiring for. Do you live close enough to the job to reasonably commute to it? Does your title closely match the job you’re applying to? Describe your experience and accomplishments to demonstrate how they benefit the employer. Remember, it is about THEM, not you. Employers don’t want to guess how your credentials apply to the role they are looking to fill.
4- Be a spelling and grammar whiz Reportedly 75% of employers noted that they wanted a stronger focus on written communication skills. Your resume is their FIRST impression of you, so if it is riddled with spelling mistakes, type-o's, or grammatical errors you will likely not be considered for the role. These type of errors show your lack of attention to detail and gives off the vibe that you just aren’t professional or interested. Avoid this by ALWAYS making sure to have a friend or family member read your resume. It’s tough to catch your own mistakes sometimes, they are sneaky! Be sure to use spell check and you can even download Grammarly for a free and easy guide to use as you write.
Good luck!
Have questions? Please comment below!
I am moving across the country to Mass in a few months. Just wondering what do you do when you are starting over from scratch?
I have an interview coming up. do you think nice dark jeans and a colared shirt works to wear to it? it says semi-casual attire in the email. please advise!!