I spent the day at the OESC Fall Job Fair. Fabulous event; full of amazing opportunities, great companies and great recruiters. What I saw was a lot of people wandering around looking lost and discouraged. As the day wore on I began to see the pattern. People would come in fresh faced full of hope and ready to tackle their next great adventure and rather quickly that expression was wiped away and replaced with exasperation and frustration. I too began to wander; just mingling, introducing myself, asking how they were, what they were looking for and most importantly where they saw themselves going from here. Sadly the most common answer was "I don't know or I'm not quite sure."

In my position I am often tasked with finding new recruits for my company; finding those who can not only fill the need we have but who will bring something special to the table. When I attend a Job Fair I know "generally" what I am looking for but most importantly I know what I am not looking for and I think it is fair to say that this is true for most professionals who are responsible for the same task.

First I am not looking for someone who has no idea of their "general skill set". Know your capabilities and be able to articulate them; to talk about them intelligently, to express them in a way that translates into actual work product. This is important. We need to know that although you may not have actually done the position you are applying for; you are capable of applying your skill set the position.

Second - hold your head up high, straighten you back,and square your shoulders. Yes all those things your mother told you to do when you were growing up. When you approach a recruiter the first impression they get from you is your posture, the way you carry yourself. Even if you are uncertain, even if you are scared, or shy; stiffen your spine, own the ground you walk on and "fake it til' you make it". We need to see that confidence; we want to see the strength you possess to push through and get things done no matter the job you are applying for; whether it is general labor or executive you need to show that you have the confidence to see it through. (and all of this is done before you ever speak a word.) So dress appropriately, hold your head high and come prepared.

Which leads me to the third and most important thing; be prepared. Preparedness is so important. Although there are applications and available computers for online applications nothings says I am on the ball like having your resume' in hand and being ready to answer a few impromptu questions on the spot. Spend the night before getting things together; have a friend or family member ask you a few questions for practice and know what you are looking for and most importantly what you are not.

Finally if you are not interested in a company's job offerings then please don't stop by and chat them up. It wastes your time and theirs. I promise you everyone at the Job Fair has a full day and no-one has time to waste; not you and not the recruiters. This is not to say that you find something that you had not thought of before you got there and decide to give it a go; definitely not; always explore those things that peak your interest. However do it in a respectful and responsible way. For example; if you find a position you think may like that you had not previously considered and you want to explore it; ask for printed information and a business card; so you do not take time away from existing qualified candidates who have planned to apply. Once you have taken a little time to explore it, if you find you meet the minimum criteria then go back with resume in hand and introduce yourself, go through the process but be courteous to those who had that employer in their plan as I am sure you would want others to do for you.

When job seekers observe simple rules of thumb for Job Fairs the experience can be one of excitement and positive feedback even if they walk away without a new job; they can at least walk away with good connections through positive networking.