Blog Post: Job Fair Q&A from Pre-event Webinar

Thank you to all attendees of our pre-event Webinar for tomorrow's job fair (8/12/09). Published below are all of the questions and answers from the end of our session. We hope that each of you is able to join us at the job fair and we wish you the best of luck.

Q: Can you tell me a place where you can recommend me to help me do a free resume.. because it happens to me that i look at my resume and don't find mistakes but it's always good when someone helps you so they find your mistakes
A: Please check out the free resume review at the Job fair - or if after the event
Maricopa Workforce Connections: http://www.maricopaworkforceconnection.com/locations.asp

Q: ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL PROGRAMS THAT ASSIST CONVICTED FELONS IN OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT?
A: There are not specific programs however you could research the employers prior to
attending and check out their jobs if they are posted on Jobing.com or on their company
site. They should have their hiring requirements listed on their company page. You might
also check out http://www.azcrc.com/. They are a community org designed to help.

Q: As an older employee, I have alot of transferable skills but am concerned about my age.
What advice to you have for a candidate in my position?
A: Emphasize your strengths and skills - and come prepared with a great attitude.
Employers tell us again and again that what they are focused on isn't a number - it is who
is the best resource/fit for their organization.

Q: Can my wife come along with me ?
A: Yes, however anyone coming will have to register at the door. It is an easy process and only takes two minutes. I would encourage you to be professional even if your wife/spouse/friend is with you. Employers want to see you making your best impression.

Q: What if I want to change career but not sure to what?
A: Be sure to attend Eric Knott's presentation on What's Hot and What's not at the expo on August 12th (and check out his blogs on our site). Also - you may want to look in to educational opportunities both with schools attending our job fair and on our education resources tab at the top of the page.

Q: Could you please repeat when the ""What's Hot and What's Not"" workshop begins?
A: 3:30 in the Workshop area.

Q: Have not interviewed for 30 yrs. any help at the expo
A: My suggestion would be to visit resume review and ask for a mock interview as well as
practicing with your friends/family the night before. I would suggest the pre-event
workshops that Maricopa County is hosting. Also - check out all of the workshop listings
in the online version of the program - http://img.jobing.com/ce/PCE_eProgram.pdf

Q: How large can a salary range gap be? For instance, is $40K-$55K too big of a gap?
A: Salaries can really vary by type of company, the region you live in, and a persons
level of experience - so $15K is not too wide of a range.

Q: How many attendees do you expect to be at this job fair?
A: It should be a well-attended (in the thousands) event so plan accordingly with plenty
of rest, comfortable (yet professional) shoes and take your time to be sure you get to
speak with each employer.

Q: I am willing to take a lower job than what am I qualified for. How do I go about when
they say you have a lot of education. This might job not keep you satisfied. What do I
say to that?
A: This is a great question. Take the time to tailor your resume to the type of job you
are looking for now. If your career goals aren't obvious from your experience (especially
in the case of a transition) - clarify your goals by including a summary or objective
statement at the top of your resume. This will give your experience and skills a context
for a recruiter to review it with.

Q: Is it OK to talk to employers about experience that is not directly related to the job,
but that you feel helps to define yourself positively. Or should you just stick to job
related experience.
A: Our best advice for the job fair is to stay as focused and respectful of a recruiters
time as possible. You have a short window of time to make a good case for yourself as a
candidate and to learn more about opportunities with the employer - so use it wisely.

Q: Is this presentation available online? If yes, where? Thanks!
A: If you would like a copy of the presentation, just send us an email at
resumereview@jobing.com and we would be happy to send it to you.

Q: If employers are not accepting resumes and we are to use the usual method of
contact,i.e., email, etc, what is the ""significant"" advantage attending the job fair
for the prospective employee?
A: That is a great question. In today's competitive environment it is more crucial than
ever to take advantage of as many face-to-face opportunities as possible. If you are
solely applying online you may be missing out on the opportunity to make contacts and ask
questions that could help you in the application process. Conversely, if you don't follow
up online after meeting employers in person, you risk getting lost in the paper shuffle.
You double your chances of success by pairing online and offline networking in your job
search.

Q: I was wondering about Etelecare
A: They are doing presentations from 2pm with their last workshop at 5:15pm, they also
have a booth so they will be meeting people throughout the day.

Q: I missed the website to register for the pre workshop - what is it again?
A: http://jobpal.com/v1xw

Q: If we go to an early morning workshop will we be able to meet with employers before 2
pm?
A: The Expo Opens at 2pm. That is when the employers are prepared to meet you. If you go to a workshop we will have a staging area for you line up in and will be the first ones in
the event at 2pm. If you attend the morning 10am event you will be able to exit and
return however you will have to get back in line.

Q: We received an electronic Expo program. Will you provide a hard copy of this program at
the Expo?
A: Yes, they will be at gate 3 when you enter the event.


Thank you again to all of the attendees for your excellent questions and for joining us this afternoon.

Best wishes to all of you at the job fair, be sure to visit us at our booth. We will be happy to answer any questions you have at the event and you can enter to win a free resume package worth between $99 and $349 from Jobing Career Services.