New Year, New Job Search: Attend a Career Fair
With the start of 2012, now is the time to finally follow through on your New Year’s resolutions.  And if you are unemployed or wanting to make a change, finding a new career may be your most important goal this year.

If you have been on the job hunt for awhile, don’t despair!  There are lots of strategies to try.  Create a profile and search for employment on ConservativeJobs.com, peruse other job listings such as the Heritage Job Bank and America’s Future Foundation’s Career Center, and ask people in your social network if they have “the scoop” on any new jobs.

In conjunction with your personal job search, your next best bet at landing a position is to look for career fairs within your local community.  These fairs bring together recruiters from a multitude of organizations, often connecting jobseekers directly with those who do the hiring.  They provide a fantastic forum to learn more about career opportunities, introduce yourself to recruiters, and form connections with those who work for the organization.  To make the most of your time at a job fair, here are some things to keep in mind.


1. You can never be too prepared!  Do your research and find out which organizations will be in attendance.  Visit their official websites, be familiar with their mission statements and goals, and have questions ready to ask recruiters.  Not only will they be impressed by your knowledge, but they will see that you have a genuine interest in their work.

2. Treat the job fair as your first interview with organizations.  First impressions do count.  Dress professionally in business attire and don’t forget to bring multiple copies of your resume.  Some organizations may have immediate openings and recruiters will request your resume.  Note: The Leadership Institute offers free, in-depth resume reviews.  Contact the Conservative Jobs team at Jobseekers@limail.us for more information.

3. Don’t be shy!  Introduce yourself to the recruiters and don’t be afraid to ask them questions.  They are there to promote their organizations and are on the lookout for potential employees.  Inquire about open positions and find out the proper way to apply.  The information you gain from a recruiter may give you the extra edge in the application process!

4. Follow up with recruiters after your initial meeting.  Send them a note thanking them for attending the job fair and speaking with you.  Reaffirm your interest in their organization and let them know if you will be applying for a position.  This little bit of effort on your part will go a long way!

Ready to put this advice into practice?  The Leadership Institute is hosting the CPAC 2012 Job and Internship Fair this Saturday, February 11, bringing you face-to-face with recruiters from top conservative organizations based in the D.C. area and beyond.  Take advantage of this opportunity and revamp your approach to pursuing employment this year.  It may get you the job!

>