Five Tips on Attending a Virtual Job Fair

There are a variety of ways virtual or online job fairs are conducted. Some may include online chats, video chats, online seminars and workshops, virtual interviews, etc. Not knowing what to expect or failing to prepare for these events can be detrimental to your success.

CareerSource Pinellas (along with CareerSource Tampa Bay and CareerSource Suncoast) is hosting a Virtual Job Fair that runs from May 11^th through May 17^th. It’s for anyone between the ages of 14 and 24, and free to register. Visit http://vjf.careersourcepinellas.com to register.

Through the virtual job fair, registrants will have the opportunity to upload their resume and search for positions that have been uploaded by local employers. Employers will also have the opportunity to search for you! You can apply for jobs any time between the 11^th and 17^th.

Here are some tips on how to get the most out of the Virtual Job Fair and possibly even a job:

1. Update Your Resume - This is probably the most important step in preparing for any interview. Make sure you have all your work experience and/or volunteer experience listed on your resume. If you see a particular job that interests you on the website then tailor your resume and skills to the job. It’ll make you stand out from those that have a generic resume with very little relatable experience.

2. Have an Idea of What Jobs You’re Looking For - Knowing your skills and what kind of jobs they’re best suited for will go a long way toward landing you a job. For example, if you have experience working at a retail store then you’d probably be great for a customer service job. If you have a degree in communications, chances are applying for a medical coding job wouldn’t do you any good. Know your strengths and apply for jobs that encompass those.

3. Do Your Research - If you see a particular company you want to work for or a job that interests you, be sure to research the company to get some background information on what they do, what they’re working on, and see if you can distinguish what the company culture might be like. There’s nothing more frustrating for an employer than to interview a candidate who has no idea what the company does.

4. Clean UpYour Social Media Profile(s) - One of the most common ways employers are getting a feel for you as a person, and not just a resume, is to look at your social media profiles. A hint: foul language, bad-mouthing, and photos of you and red Solo cups show you in a not-so-pretty light. That’s probably not the image you want the employer to have of you. It also means there’s a very good chance you may not get any response to your job application.

5. Be Friendly and Courteous - Employers are looking for people that not only have the right skills and experience levels, but also a great attitude. Can you imagine working with someone that knew what they were doing but was mean and standoffish? Be friendly and courteous to your interviewer and show that you work well with others even if the job is mostly working on your own.

Have any more questions on how to make the most of your virtual job fair experience? Email those questions to blog@careersourcepinellas.com.

Good luck to all our job fair registrants!