With the unemployment rate in Las Vegas over 12% you need to work harder to find a job.  The good news is companies are hiring.  Hotel and Gaming are set to grow with new properties and expansions opening, housing is starting to recover, and recruiters are generally positive about upcoming hiring. 

Job fairs are a great opportunity to network with a wide variety of recruiters in a short amount of time and practice your interviewing skills.  It is important that you think of this as your first interview. You want to stand out to the recruiters you speak with.  It takes some preparation to be successful at a job fair.

Before the Job Fair:

•    Look up what companies are attending.  Research the companies to find out what positions are they hiring for, what they say about their work environment, benefits, and potential for growth within the company. 
o    Tip:  The Company’s website is a great place to find this information, but you can also use sites like GlassDoor.com to find out what current or previous employees think about the company.

•    Make a list of questions for each recruiter you want to speak with.  Be prepared to engage the recruiter in a discussion about the company, future growth, trends in the industry, and how your talents and experience can help the company.  Rehearse your questions in front of the mirror.  It builds confidence so you make a better impression.
o    Tip: Be sure the look the recruiter in the eye when you ask the questions and pause to listen to their answer.

•    Review your resume.  Be sure to emphasize what you have done better and faster than others or how you have saved money.  Tailor it to the companies you plan to see at the event.  Print additional copies.  You want to have a copy for each company you plan on visiting, and extra copies as you may find other recruiters who signed up at the last minute.  Make sure all contact information is correct.  Use an email address that is appropriate for a recruiter to judge you by.
o    Tip: Use the format first.last@email.com as the format for your e-mail address.  You can sign up with a free e-mail account with yahoo.com, gmail.com, hotmail.com and even aol.com.  Be sure you check this email account regularly.

•    Are there schools attending?  Do you need training for the job field you want to be in?  If so look at the schools attending and see if they offer programs to help you.  Be prepared to ask questions such as cost, financing, job placement assistance, how long before you can start work, and the schedule of the classes.
o    Tip:  Even if you don’t plan to talk to the schools, take a look at degree programs each one offers.  After talking to recruiters if you find a degree program will make you more marketable, you already have the information to know what schools you want to talk to at the Job Fair!
At the Job Fair:

•    Arrive early to allow enough time to easily talk to all the recruiters you plan to meet with.  Remember, you may have to wait for them to finish talking with someone else and there may be recruiters there you would like to meet who joined the job fair at the last minute. 

•    Dress for an interview.  This is the first time you will meet the recruiters and you want to make a positive first impression.  Be sure to dress appropriately for the industry you are applying for.  If the job you seek is formal, wear a suit.  In general “Business Casual” is most appropriate.  Slacks (not jeans) and a collared shirt for men, and slacks or a skirt and a blouse for women.  Keep jewelry to a minimum and do not wear clothing that is too revealing.

•    Take the time to talk to the recruiters.  This is what you prepared for.  Take a deep breath, relax, and smile.  Be respectful of their time but be sure to leave a strong, positive, professional impression.  Ask the questions you rehearsed and listen to the response.  You already know what they do.  This is your chance to show them you are familiar with the industry and can contribute to their business.  Be attentive and engaging.  You want to be the one they leave there wanting to hire.

•    Be prepared for a different approach.  Some recruiters refer all applicants to their websites.  They have their reasons and may not be in a position to answer questions about specific positions.  Do not just walk away.  Have a back up set of questions about the general hiring process such as how long does it typically take to receive a response, would they conduct the interview or will it be a departmental manager, can you check the status of your application, will you hear back either way?  Use this opportunity to learn more about the process you will be going through. 

•    Present a professional image.  Maintain a good posture, have a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, listen closely, and respond appropriately. 

•    Collect business cards.  If you are applying for a job this will give you contact information for those you are speaking with.  Follow up with a Thank You note a day or two after the event.  This will show that you are serious about working for them, that you paid attention, and reinforce the image you left them with. 

While there are many people who attend job fairs, you do not have to be part of the crowd.  This is your chance to shine.  With a little effort you can stand out from the rest and be on the road to success.  Good luck in your search!