Planning your visit

Before going to the Fair

Geographic considerations

Many of the major companies at The National Fair have more than one office in the Greater Montreal area. Some have offices in other provinces and / or other countries. You are invited to attend, even if our event and your place of residence are in different geographical locations. Are you open to work and live in a new city or region? If this is the case, this decision will involve a move to live a new experience of professional life, but also personal and family.

Know what you want

Rate what you like and what you are looking for in a job. You need to know what your most relevant skills are before meeting with local recruiters.

Prepare a one-minute presentation

You only have one chance to make a first impression, so it's better to be ready. Prepare a presentation of about a minute to present you in the best light. Think about your strengths, your career goals, the company you approach and what you want to accomplish for them as well as for you. When meeting with recruiters, introduce yourself and make good connections between you and the needs of the employer. And do it with confidence.

Your resume

Bring multiple copies of your resume. Generally, recruiters require it, so make sure yours is up-to-date and exceptional! If you have multiple job goals, which is not uncommon today, it is recommended that you prepare different versions of your resume based on your goals and the type of business you are interested in. Given the volume of CVs accumulated by recruiters during the event, it may be appropriate to use colored paper to distinguish yourself, but avoid bright colors.

Your introduction letter

By meeting the recruiters directly, the cover letter is not essential since your stop at the booth of an employer is in itself an expression of your motivation.

Your letters of recommendation

Include one to three letters of recommendation that you feel are most relevant to each CV you distribute or ask recruiters if they want to get it right away. In this way, all potential employers will have them from the start and can refer to them as needed in the process of evaluating your application. Referrals often play a key validation role in the assignment of a vacant position.

Take a briefcase

Take a briefcase with you to store copies of your resume and letters of reference. You will probably take documentation distributed on site by the exhibitors. It will also be useful to put all the notes you have taken after speaking with the employers. In short, be organized!

Dress code

Your image plays an even bigger role at The National Job Fair than during normal maintenance. Many people are looking for the same thing and the decisions of the recruiters are made quickly, sometimes even after a simple look at your dress, whether justified or not. Remember that you only have a short time to make a good impression. Your outfit must be neat, while maintaining your individuality.

Wear comfortable shoes

The time you spend walking and waiting for your turn standing in front of a stand will quickly remind you that the floors of the large exhibition halls are concrete, even if we take care to put carpets well supplied. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and avoid especially new shoes.

Once at the Fair

Here, as it were, into 10 points which is most recommended for candidates committed to maximizing the benefits of crossing the National Job Fair.

Familiarize yourself with the place

Begin by walking the aisles of the fair to get a first impression, then, revisit the plan of the room you have probably consulted before your visit. Locate employers that interest you on the list of exhibitors can be found in the official guide you obtained a copy before entering the exhibition hall. Leave room for the unexpected in your visit plan as a business that you would perhaps not originally selected could have something interesting to offer.

Keep your eyes open and ears

Take the time to observe. By listening to the answers given to questions of the candidates before you, you can identify some specific needs of this company. You'll be better prepared to ask the right questions and your responses will better align the criteria of the employer, thus increasing your chances of reaching the second level of the recruitment process.

Have a positive attitude

There was plenty of action on the ground. Stay positive at all times. While the National Employment Fair is doing its best to serve the interests of everyone in the labor market, individuals have their own personal expectations. If things do not always go the way we would like, it is best to stay positive. A positive attitude does not guarantee your success, either, but it gives you a head start. And if a negative attitude will not get you surely not far away, it can lead you directly to failure.

Be enthusiastic

When entering the National Job Fair, allow any form of negativity at the door! Enthusiasm is in. The smile is in. The attitude is positive in. The views are constructive in. The enthusiasm is ranked very well in a work environment. It is also one of the most important personal attitudes that an employer can expect a new employee.

Be opportunistic

Know that you can not expect better opportunity to apply for a job because an employer can not ever be more receptive than at an event in which he participated just for recruiting. Take advantage of this opportunity you have to meet these employers in person. Unlike sending a CV by email or by mail, you will have the chance to stand out from other candidates, either through your personality, how you speak or image you project . So, enjoy this opportunity!

Be patient

The event attracts many visitors. You may need to queue at several booths in order to meet representatives of some companies. Remember that patience is a virtue and that virtue is popular with employers ... and your colleagues in the context of the event, are somehow those around you in the pits.

Networking

Today, networking is a particularly important strategy in the process of job search. When you wait in line, join the business with pleasure: talk to other candidates. This way, you may discover other pipes or other opportunities! Who knows, you might want to meet someone who will change the course of your career! After all, visitors are all there for this purpose. It is often said that the ones we know - and not necessarily what connnaît - that makes the difference.

Request a business card

Once you have met an employer and before leaving the stand, ask him his business card. If he does not take note of their contact.

Make a last contact

Before leaving the stand of an employer, take time to thank the person you just met her for the time you spent. Ask her if she agrees that you contact it within days or tell him that you hope to have the chance to talk to him shortly. Before leaving the event, it's a good idea to make a last contact with employers with whom you have developed a keen interest. Skip to bid them farewell when the opportunity allows. The more you see a person, the greater the chances are great that they remember you.

Follow up

After the event, send a short message of thanks to reiterate your interest in an employer. You can also call the person and ask him what the next step. Know what will happen is that you can control! This type of monitoring will increase your chances to move to the next stage of the hiring process.

And drink water!

The air is dry in public buildings constructed of concrete. Since your visit to the National Job Fair will probably last a few hours, we recommend you drink at least a bottle of water to maintain good hydration.

Recruiters are watching you...

Before you even meet with recruiters attending the National Job Fair, take a moment to observe them. There is much to learn body language:

• Did you know that recruiters who stand first in their booth are more likely to be more affordable? In general, those who stand on the edge of their booth want more qualitative information about your background.
• The recruiters who work standing in their booths tend to be more proactive in their relationships with candidates.
• The recruiters who remain behind their counters are likely to be more quantitative and analytical information on the initial approach with candidates before proceeding to the next stage of the hiring process.
• Did you know that recruiters who smile are more likely to converse with the candidates?
• On the other hand, recruiters who do not smile are more likely to use an approach style questions and answers. They also tend to be more structured and analytical.
• If you notice that recruiters talk to each other, you can ask if one of them is available to meet you prefer or if you return later.

Types of interview

It is important to understand what can be classified as the main three types of interview that may take place at The National Job Fair: the screening interview, the mini-interview and the full interview. You will likely want to be prepare for each type should you be invited to participate in an interview at the fair. Each type of interview provides its own technical approach and specific assessment methods.

The screening interview

This interview usually lasts two to three minutes. At this stage, the main interest of the recruiter is to get a first impression of you by observing and assessing your communicational skills and, of course, to get a copy of your resumé. It is time to introduce yourself (i.e. your one-minute presentation) and to highlight the relevant points of your resumé, those that best describe your career aspirations and best meet the needs of the employer. From there, the recruiter will decide whether to go the next step.

The sreening interview is conducted at the exhibitor's stand.

The mini-interview

This interview usually lasts five to 10 minutes. Be prepared to provide details about your background. Here, you want to quickly establish that you are the person the employer is seeking. The recruiter usually wants more details on the information contained in your resumé. It is essential to be prepared and ready to discuss your information.

The mini-interview is usually done at the exhibitor's booth or in an adjacent and more private room provided for that purpose.

The full interview

The full interview usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. It could last longer, but it will depend on the agenda of the employer at the fair. Tell yourself that if you get this type of interview at the fair, the employer is seriously considering your application. Your are closer to your goal to be hired, but remember that you didn't win anything yet. The employer will probably ask for more qualitative responses, so be prepared to provide complete and accurate information and to elaborate about your career plan.

The full interview is usually conducted either in a private room reserved for that purpose at the fair or in the office of the employer after the event.

Methods of interview

One on one interview

The most common form of interview at The National Job Fair is the one on one interview between a candidate and a recruiter. Remember to take advantage of the body language (dynamic position, firm handshake, frank and direct look, arms uncrossed, etc.), to pay attention and to maintain eye contact. After the event, you are likely to get further interviews, which may take different forms and may depend on the type of job.

Telephone interview

In a phone interview, it is easier to find information around you and to organize your notes. The recruiter will make an impression on the tone of your voice so body language can still help you. The recruiter will feel the smile on your face and your expression through your voice. Exhibitors whose office is located outside the Greater Toronto Area are more likely to use the telephone interview. If the job relies on the use of the phone, the recruiter will most likely choose this method of interview.

Panel interview (more than one recruiter)

A candidate who gets an interview with two or more recruiters at the same time faces a different interaction that requires a lot of concentration, but tell yourself that if you are in this kind of situation, the employer is very interested in your candidature. Recruiters are often there to see specific aspects of your skills or your professional experiences. When someone asks a question, make sure you direct your response to that person. Keeping eye contact with other recruiters is a good approach.

Multiple interviews (at different times)

Multiple interviews is a process that serves mostly to eliminate candidates through the hiring process. It is a process that can last several weeks, but tell yourself that if you move on through the process, the closer you are to get the job. Over interviews, the recruiter(s) will normally discuss various aspects of your experience or will want to know more about a specific qualification that is required for the position. The more you advance in the process, the more deeper are the interviews.

Video Interview

This form of interview is particularly interesting for employers whose position requires extensive or expensive travel expenses from the candidate who, ultimately, might have to relocate for the job. Manage the video interview like any other method of interview. Since the Internet and new technologies (such as Skype) made the video interview very accessible, some recruiters will likely choose the video interview even if you and the employer live in the same geographical location, particularly in the first stages of the hiring process. Don't forget to clean your home office or the room you are to use for the video interview before opening the camera on your computer!

Preparing for an interview

An interview is a two-way exchange for information gathering. The recruiter is seeking information about you while you try to know if the position is the one you are seeking for. Proper preparation will allow you to express yourself well, to express your ideas clearly and to be concise and direct. The preparation requires some practice and coaching. You can get some last minute advice from interview specialists (thare are many at the fair among the organizations exhibiting in the Career Services Pavilion). The better you are prepared – which starts before your visit – the more will be your confidence and the more successful you will be in potential interviews.

• Do a self exam to identify your general skills and specific abilities. There are plenty of books on the subject in all good bookstores. You can also find relevant information on the subject on the Internet.
• Go to your local public library to find appropriate tools and resources available.
• Familiarize yourself with the job description and requirements. You must feel that the position meet your skills, experience, interests and career goals.
• Do your research. Know everything you must know about the position and the employer.
• Unless otherwise indicated by the company, contact the hiring manager or human resources consultant to learn more about the position being offered and the type of interview you should expect if your application is preselected.
• Prepare in advance your answers to questions you may be asked about your education and work experiences.
• Familiarize yourself with your answers so you can speak with precision and spontaneity during the interview.
• Practice your answers out loud before an interview, either to yourself or a family member, a friend or a colleague.
• Make sure your portfolio is updated with examples of projects you have made such as relevant reports, presentations or samples.
• Write some questions you are likely to ask the recruiter during the interview.

Q&A

It is important to ask the right questions at the right time during an interview. Y ou have only a few minutes with the recruiter. Here are some good questions to consider asking:

• Can you identify the challenges in this position and the opportunities it provides?
• Does your company offer opportunities to develop my skills for this position?
• What are the most important qualifications and experience you are seeking from candidates to fill this position?
• Could you give me a brief description of the work environment within your company?

Tips & tricks

• Analyze your skills, qualities and achievements.
• Let the interviewer set the tone for the interview.
• Be brief when you answer questions.
• Do not give more details than what you are requested to.
• Be concise in describing your accomplishments and tell how they correspond to the position you are seeking.
• Be strategic in making sure that all your answers are oriented towards the needs of the position offered by the employer.
• Answer questions thoughtfully in a professional and friendly manner.
• Leave room for spontaneity and creativity.
• Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question.
• Ask your own questions.
• If necessary, ask for feedback on your answers.
• Prepare your follow up, ask what are next steps after your conversation with a recruiter.
• Take the name and telephone number of the recruiter before you leave for your follow up.
• Do not leave without a good handshake and thank the interviewer for spending time with you.
• If you deem appropriate, reconfirm your interest in the job before you leave.