"Seventy-eight percent of college job-seeker respondents said networking was the most useful job-search tactic" (Margot Carmichael Lester, Monster Contributing Writer). So how can someone in Savannah network with others to land their next job? Attending a job fair may seem like a waste of time to you, but you should take it into consideration. Savannah's unemployment rate is high, which means you're competing with a lot of other unemployed residents. It's nice to sit in front of a computer to apply for jobs, but why not make an impression by meeting the employers face-to-face? If going to a job fair now sounds appealing, consider the following steps to find your next job.
- Research upcoming job fairs in Savannah and surrounding areas. A good place to start looking will be The Savannah Morning News newspaper. Keep in mind job fairs are held at Savannah State University and Armstrong Atlantic State University twice a year. Please contact the schools for more information. You can also contact the Georgia Department of Labor for job fair information.
- Have in mind the job position you want and research the participating employers. Find out the job positions salary, qualification requirement(s), location, etc.
- Write down any questions you want to ask an employer.
When you go to the job fair:
- Make sure you are dressed as if you're going to an interview.
- Have more than two copies of your resume to hand out.
- Smile, and conduct yourself appropriately. Remember... the employers are watching you!
- Always greet the employer with a firm handshake.
- Exchange contact information, if applicable. You can have business cards made with your name, phone number, and email address. This will make a lasting impression on the employer.
These steps are a starting point in your job-seeking quest. As was mentioned in previous articles, the most important thing to remember is to stay positive. Having a positive attitude will reflect well on your character; thus, the employer will want to keep in touch with you.
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