I'm currently employed, but have been looking for a new job for about eight months. I've found local job fairs to be pretty useless with the companies handing out information but not really talking with the applicants.
I have been invited to a job fair at my university campus (ERAU), but it is about six hour drive each way. I would like to find a new position that uses my degrees in project management and supply chain management, and I feel like a job fair on a campus would tend to be more focused on the applicant's education. On the other hand, I am a baby-boomer, and although my degrees have been completed recently, after I retired from the ANG, I think there is a definite age bias that could work against me on a university campus.
Out of about 100 companies listed for the job fair, I have identified about 12 companies that I am definitely interested in. I am really torn if I should risk taking a day off of work and taking a hotel room to attend this job fair in Florida. I don't want to miss an opportunity to connect with a recruiter, but I don't want to waste my time either.
Does anyone know if a job fair on a campus tends to bring company recruiters and hiring managers that want to talk to the applicants, or if they tend toward passing out information about their companies?
Answers
Hi Jane,
First, many thanks for your years and service!
I do not believe a 6 hour drive to any job fair is worth it, unless you are visiting that area for a longer period of time!
First, I would get my resume together and get on LinkedIn immediately! You can connect there with your career goals and objectives. That would be your very best way to stay put and connect so that you can network through appropriate channels. If you are not familiar with the LinkedIn process I would be willing to review your resume, talk about your skills and then how to master the profile for Linked In or, I would do this for you.
My last career was in Supply Chain with a major pharm firm and I am now writing resumes and job hunting needs for all in need. This service would be free as it's my commitment to 'giving back'...
Feel free to reach out to me with questions / concerns through this site. I'm happy to help you get started.
Regards,
Liz Campanelli
Anna, thank you for your answer. I did not attend the event after all. The company that I currently work for relocated last year, and now I've got a really long commute. I have been looking for another position closer to Marietta or Atlanta for about a year now, with no luck. I've recently decided to stop looking, and I've applied for a new position at Zodiac. I figured if I am going to have this long commute then I might as well get a promotion and get paid a little better. I will probably watch for another job fair at ERAU next year, and maybe try to attend then.
My current job is customer service rep (for the Boeing account) and I've been told that I don't have the correct industry experience when looking for CSR positions in industries other than aviation. I'm not sure what recruiters are looking for, I would think success in one position would translate well into the same job description, despite the industry.
If I get the promotion, then I will gain experience as a planner, and that may make me more marketable in the future. I appreciate everyone's advice and help!
Jane Madsen
Hi Jane, it would be interesting to learn of your final decision. Time is a precious commodity and it is wise to assess the benefits vs the disadvantages of investing your time driving to a destination that held such uncertainty. I was torn to provide a response because so often there is no absolute answer when we are faced with the unknown. We can try to predict the outcome of your venture but it would be just that...a prediction. The reality is... it could have be the best thing you ever did or...not. The only way to find out is to do it or discard the idea and concentrate on other options. The important thing is that you knew when to seek advice and came to a resolution that worked best for you! Hope all is going well and you are experiencing positive results in your job search!
Liz the drive is not the issue if you are serious about wanting to make a change. You need to see if the 12 companies you want to speak to will allow you to personally contact their recruiters in advance. When you speak with them you will be in the best position to determine whether or not you want to go out of your way. Several years ago my son in law who was the top sales person in the US for a London based business was let go when they closed all US operations. He began a relentless quest to find the right position. He was unwilling to take a step backward. For six months he followed thru on every lead for no results. Then one day while having lunch he bumped into an executive. The executive concluded from the conversation that my son in law would be perfect for a company that is run by a billionaire that he knew. He set up the interview. He was hired. Five years later he earns in excess of $500k and has part ownership as a principle in the company. This is a good example of do whatever it takes to get what you want. You never know when the real opportunity will surface. My son in law knew that he is the real deal and he woke up every morning knowing he would give it his best until an opportunity that is commensurate with his talents would show. Having that undying belief is the key to his success. He would laugh at the idea that a six hour drive is a key obstacle.
Hi Jane -
It's worth it if you want it to be. I flew from Virginia to the same ERAU Daytona campus for the Oct Career Expo a few years back. Like you, I wasn't sure if it was worth my time or money (airfare & hotel). I had been out of the traditional College setting for many years so I knew I'd stand out as 'older'.
Turns out it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It led to me landing the job I currently have and I haven't look back since. I'd say give it a shot. Most of the Companies will be looking for Interns, so you'll stand out as a candidate that can contribute immediately. Good Luck!
Damin
I would go if it isnt too much of a burden. Being in that mix of employers would be good for you. Also I think you may stand out in a good way given your maturity and the fact that the employers would be impressed that you "humbled" yourself enough to go. My daughter recently went through many fairs and made contacts that have been valuable--if its not too much cost or disruption, disregard your "fears" and go. Make a nice day of it, perhaps going the night before and staying over, then exploring the area.
You never know when you are going to meet someone who can connect you to someone who eventually give you a job. Job fairs are not just a place where employers are collecting resumes for specific jobs. It is an "goldmine" for networking and researching potential employers. Many Job Fairs have over 100 employers that are waiting to connect with candidates. If it is a college or University Job Fair they are there because they want to hire graduates from that school so you are "prequalified". If the employer in attendance doesn't recruit for your area of expertise get the name of the recruiter that does recruit for you area of skills and interest.
When else are you going to have easy access to so many employers? Personal contact is the most successful type of recruitment. How many hours would it take you to personally (in person) contact and meet 25-30 recruiters I would definitely attend.
Jane, I probably wouldn't make the drive either if I were in your shoes (already have a job and 6 hour drive). BUT if here were 12 companies there that I had real interest in, I would call the person that invited me and ask that person to give me the contact info on the representatives of those 12 firms. Armed with that info, I would put together a small inexpensive gift box with a note and my resume. "I am sorry I was not able to make the trip from x to the job fair in y, but I am really interested in your company. Please accept this z as a token of my appreciation for you being at the job fair and as evidence of my interest in your company. In addition to that, I hope it helps demonstrate my ability to get things done where others fall short. I will reach out to you next week to see what our next steps should be"
I guess you can tell that I am in sales and these types of things impress me. I don't think it could hurt you and it will definitely set you apart.
Good luck, landing a job is much harder than doing the job.
Avi, thank you for the suggestion. The website looks promising; it sounds as though there is a little bit more direct access to the recruiters then on other sites. I will definitely give it a try.
Jennifer, thank you for your opinion! I’ve decided to not attend the job fair, but raising the question has opened up a few more possibilities!
Jane
I think your instinct (not to go) is correct. Campus fairs are geared to college juniors and seniors. Lean In!
Liz, Thank you so much for the response. I'm am probably not going to make the drive to the job fair - it helps to have someone else support my instinctive reaction to the distance. However, researching this job fair has been a helpful exercise, as I have located several local companies that I can concentrate my attention on.
I would greatly appreciate your help with my resume and my LinkedIn profile, https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeemadsen .
My resume is posted on LinkedIn as well.
Thank you again!
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