The Biggest Mistakes Job Candidates Make at Job Fairs: Job Fair Mistake #1
December 9, 2009
This week we will continue to cover job fairs, specifically mistakes that I have seen job candidates make at job fair events. When job seekers make any of these mistakes, I believe that they cut their chances of getting a follow up interview with the companies participating at the job fair.
Mistake #1: Taking family members to the job fair.
Believe it or not, I have seen this a dozen times. In some cases, the job candidate may not have someone to watch his or her young kids the day of the job fair, and they decide to bring the kids along. Or they bring Mom with them for company and moral support. Simply put, it is unprofessional and will not make a good first impression with any company. I’ve even seen people with strollers at job fairs — definitely not the best presentation of professional demeanor. From an employer’s perspective, if a job seeker is unable to find someone to take care of their kids the day of the job fair, it may give the impression that they will not have enough freedom to come to work every day, or that they have too many responsibilities at home to be able to perform well at work. Taking Mom along also gives the impression that the job seeker lacks confidence, and may not be able to independently manage the responsibilities that the position entails. My recommendation: to make the most of the job fair day, leave family members at home. Attend the job fair on your own, as you would the first day at a new job.
Read this post for more information about how to prepare for a job fair, and check back tomorrow for the next mistake to avoid.
Filed under: Job Hunting
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