Career Events
- Resume and Cover Letter Preparation
- Interviewing Skills
- Career Readiness
- Job Search
- Federal Resume Writing, presented by the Bureau of Land Management-Alaska
Recommendations for additional workshops can be emailed to Adelina Rodriguez, Career Development Advisor.
Career Fairs
Mat-Su Job Center 2020 Employer Expo
Job Seekers
- It's estimated 100+ companies will have representatives at the Employer Expo!
- Meet with employers hiring for entry-level, technical and professional positions.
- Talk with career counselors to answer your job search questions.
- Attend career workshops.
Coordinated by the Mat-Su Job Center.
Visit Alaska Job Network online or your local Alaska Job Center to learn about job opportunities in the area and across the state of Alaska.
Tips for the Career Fair
Before the Career Fair
Monster Senior Contributing Writer, Peter Vogt, shares the following tips:
1. Develop a Strong Resume: Highlight your skills and accomplishments. Your resume should be error-free, concise and graphically pleasing. Don't forget to make several copies, since you'll probably visit with more than one employer.
2. Get or Make Business Cards: You can buy blank business cards at stores like Office Depot, and then use a computer and laser printer to create some personalized cards. List your name, contact information, and perhaps the career you'd like to pursue or your key skills.
3. Study the Organizations Attending the Fair: Nothing impresses an employer less than a prospective candidate asking, "So what do you guys do?" Instead, be one of the few attendees who know something about each of the companies. The more informed you are, the more likely you will be positively remembered.
4. Develop a 30-Second Commercial: "Tell me a little about yourself." You're likely to get that invitation from many of the employers at the fair. So spend a little time beforehand figuring out your response. Think of your reply as a 30-second, self-promotional commercial you'll deliver to each employer who asks.
Vogt, P. (2018). Learn to Work a Career Fair -- Before, During and After. Monster. Retrieved from https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/learn-to-work-a-career-fair.
During the Fair
Monster Senior Contributing Writer, Peter Vogt, shares the following tips:
1. Introduce Yourself and Shake Hands: In many ways, a career fair is a test of your social skills. While employers are almost always friendly and outgoing, they'll expect the same of you. If you haven't done much ice breaking before, practice in advance with a career counselor or friend.
2. Dress Appropriately: In most cases, you'll want to dress professionally to attend a career fair. Sometimes business casual is fine, but don't go too casual. When in doubt, overdress.
3. Ask Intelligent Questions: If you've studied up on the organizations, you'll probably have some questions you'd like to ask. Not only will you get some answers, but you'll also show yourself to be someone who does his research.
4. Focus on What You Can Offer: You'll be a refreshing change to most company representatives if you tell them what you can do for them and their organizations instead of asking what they can do for you.
5. Leave Your Resume and Card with Each Representative: Then be sure to grab each representative's card.
Vogt, P. (2018). Learn to Work a Career Fair -- Before, During and After. Monster. https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/learn-to-work-a-career-fair.
After the Fair
Monster Senior Contributing Writer, Peter Vogt, shares the following tips:
1. Take Notes: After the fair concludes, jot down notes about conversations you had with company representatives. If you wait too long, the conversations will start running together in your head, and you'll forget what you said to whom.
2. Follow Up on Promises: If, for example, a company representative expressed interest in looking at your Web site, make sure to email the URL like you said you would.
3. Send Thank-You Notes: Write or email each of the people you met and thank them for their time. Reiterate your interest in the company and your relevant skills and experience. Most job seekers fail to take this simple step, often losing out in the end to those who did express their thanks.
Vogt, P. (2018). Learn to Work a Career Fair -- Before, During and After. Monster. https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/learn-to-work-a-career-fair.
Need Assistance? Make an Appointment Request today!
Employers
Contact Mat-Su Job Center at 907.352.2500 to reserve your space.