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What Is Your Strategy For Attending A Job Fair

Get The Most Out Of Job Fairs

The New England Job Show has teamed up with Judit Price, an employment and career transition consultant and coach, to help you with your job seeking questions.

Judit E. Price, MS, IJCTC, CCM, CPRW
Berke and Price Associates
Skills for Career Success
http://www.careercampaign.com/

More Information On Judith Price.
For more information on Judith click here.

Question:
I am planning on attending the upcoming Job Fair in Louden New Hampshire on August 27. What should be my strategy at this fair?''

Answer:
Unfortunately, many job seekers are ill-prepared to leverage the career fair experience. With the checklists that follow, you can reach career fair success!

PREPARATION

• Research the employers attending.
• Check exhibitor websites to learn more about the company, its products/services, etc.
• Map a strategy for working the fair.
• Determine which employers are a priority for you to visit.
• Bring more resumes than you think you need.
• If possible, have versions targeted to specific industries or employers.
• Take part of your Career Portfolio (if you have one).
• These portfolios should include copies of your resumes, samples of your best work, testimonials, evaluations, and a list of references.
• While most career fair interviews are fairly short, there may be opportunities for discussing your portfolio with a recruiter - either during a short break or meal or during a second interview onsite.
• It is best to always be prepared no matter what happens. Think about printing networking business cards with pertinent contact information on one side and a focused mini resume on the other.
• Carry a folder, portfolio, professional tote or briefcase to keep your resumes neat, with space to keep the business cards and material you collect organized, and a pad or PDA for notes.
• Dress professionally as you would for an interview.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Write and practice a 30-second to 2-minute introductory commercial about you. First impressions are critical.

Example: Hand the recruiter a copy of your resume and be prepared to expand on it quickly! Share basic information about yourself and your career interests, for example: "Hello, my name is Marisol Quinones. I have an MBA in marketing with three years of progressively responsible experience as an account representative with XYZ Corporation in Deerfield. I'm very interested in talking with you about the senior bilingual marketing representative positions that your organization is recruiting for. As you can see from my resume, I have completed the following professional education courses in..."

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• Arrive early, check in, review the directory and floor plan, walk the exhibit area to get a feel for the conference, and revise your strategy if necessary.
• Be confident, display a winning attitude, and stay focused.
• Go to the hosting organization's Career Help Center if you would like some guidance on your resume, interviewing, job search assistance, or career management advice before you visit employers.
• Otherwise take advantage of these free services before you leave.
  

DURING THE CAREER FAIR TRADE-SHOW

• Start with your priority employers
• Conduct yourself professionally at all times
• Do not assume a company does not have open positions in your field.
• Don't judge a booth by its cover.
• Observe the recruiters from a distance or while you are in line.
• Make personal connections
• Before you leave the booth, get appropriate contact information, request a business card, and ask the company what the next step is and how to follow up.
• Take notes on the back of the recruiter's business card, your notepad, or PDA
• Use the career fair to polish your interviewing skills.
• Network with diversity professional associations at the conference and other jobseekers.
• Take a break to review the literature you have picked up and identify additional questions you may have.
• Before leaving the career fair, head back to the booths where you have some interest.

AFTER THE CAREER FAIR

• Immediately send a thank-you note and reconfirm interest in the position and company. If possible, address the company's hiring needs, your qualifications, and express your desire for
• Send a letter(s) and email to the company's contact person, diversity council, employee networks, EEO/AA manager, and/or VP of diversity. Attach a copy of your resume and any thank you notes you sent to company staff. r a second interview.
• Within a week, follow up with a well-rehearsed phone call, unless you were specifically instructed not to.

The New England Job Show To Be At New Hampshire Job Fair

If your are planning on going to the August 27 job fair at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, drop by our booth.

We will have plenty of information about the Job Show, opportunities to sign up to volunteer for the show or to record your own elevator pitch, and much more. Below is an article about how you can sign up for the Fair, a link to a list of the businesses who will be there, and a schedule of events.

Online Registration Opens For Job Seekers
Career Expo To Be Held At NHMS

CONCORD, N.H. -- Online registrations for job seekers are being accepted for next month's WMUR Project Economy Job Fair & Career Expo.

Gov. John Lynch announced that participants can register online for the Aug. 27 job fair at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. The job fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"This event will provide job seekers with great opportunities to pursue new career paths and meet with some of New Hampshire's finest employers," Lynch said. "I urge anyone seeking employment to sign up online and attend what's sure to be a tremendous job fair for job seekers and businesses alike."

http://www.wmur.com/money/20039283/detail.html

Companies Participating In NH Job Fair

The following is a list of companies participating in the New Hampshire Job Fair on August 27. The companies are separated by building they will be located in at the Job Fair.

http://www.wmur.com/money/20264097/detail.html

Job Fair Workshop Schedule

http://www.wmur.com/money/20278685/detail.html

For directions click here

Work Life balance is still a myth for many people

By Ajita Perera
NEJS Host

Yes, just like you thought it was, the notion of work life balance IS a myth according to leadership and organizational psychologist Dr. Ann Perschel. Sixty percent of executives report working at least 50 hours per week, including the additional time they spend thinking about work, while 10% work more than 80 hours per week. This situation is even more intense for 92% of working women who go home after a full day of work and manage household and family responsibilities.
At a recent workshop titled “Finding Your Flow - Looking for Better Work Life Balance?” organized by Leading Women Mass, Dr. Perschel posed the question “So how do we cope?” According to her the answer is Flow, but Flow is better than mere coping. It’s about enjoying and finding meaning in what we do and doing what we enjoy and find meaningful. Flow refuels us.

To read the rest of the article click here.

Taking A Vacation While You Are Unemployed

By Kathy Borrelli, M.Ed.

Volunteer Assistant Director for the Job Show

A year’s gone by and still no job in sight. You feel like you’re not getting anywhere despite strategic marketing and ramped up social networking. You’re wired, you’re tired, you’re starting to hate everyone and you’re re-reading every spiritual book on

Taking a break while being out of work can be challenging. All around you people are on and going on real vacations, packing their bags and cars and getting away from it all. It’s hard to justify a vacation while being unemployed. You’re afraid people will look at you and think: “You’re taking a vacation from not working? How’s that?” So you guiltily keep pushing on like some road weary warrior.

It may be time to rethink your definition of vacation. This year it may not be the white sands of the Caribbean, or Paris, or even a week in the country in a cottage. Maybe you can try 4 days of going places and doing things you haven’t made time to enjoy lately. For practical purposes, try to keep the list inexpensive (the zoo, a museum, an outdoor concert, a movie, a long walk on the beach or along city streets).

To make this work you just have to promise yourself that you won’t do anything unless you really want to. We’re all so responsible and duty bound, that can be very challenging. Give it a try. Maybe you stay up late watching television in bed eating ice cream or get up early to take a walk at dawn. Maybe you take an afternoon nap at your daily down time. Maybe you just lie around and read popular magazines for a few days, or a novel. You have to make it at least 3-4 days for this to work. Too short a time and you won’t be able to adjust to just hanging out.

If you can do this every few months, this little break could even help you see a speck of light in the gloom of unemployment: You have the freedom to take time off! And after a break, you’re bound to have more energy and inspiration.

If you want to hear more about this topic, Kathy recommends you see Chris Vasiliadis at the Acton Networkers meeting at the Congregational Church on August 21, 2009. Chris will be speaking on Staying Well Through your Job Search.

For more information on Kathy click here

NEJS Show 9 - Interview With Mass Secretary Of Labor

Contribute to Future Episodes of the New England Job Show

The team at the New England Job Show is dedicated to producing programming designed to educate job seekers. We want to tailor our content to deliver information our audience wants to know about most. To help us do this, we have designed a survey for job seekers to fill out.

In order to move forward with content tailored to job seekers, the survey will only be available for a limited time. Please fill out this anonymous survey before midnight (EST) on August 9th.

Click Here to take survey

NEJS Interviews Massachusetts Governor Patrick

The New England Job Show interviewed Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick about the state's latest developments with the economy and unemployment. Governor Patrick was in Groton, Massachusetts for a town meeting. Stay tuned for the complete interview which will be aired in an upcoming episode of the show.

Ask The Experts Your Job Seeking Questions

SELF BRANDING

The New England Job Show has teamed up with Judit Price, an employment and career transition consultant and coach, to help you with your job seeking questions. For more information on Judit click here.

QUESTION: "There is much talk going around job seekers branding themselves. What are some of the steps should a job seeker take to develop a brand?"

Personal branding is critical for guerrilla marketers because

• Employers are looking for results


• Your results demonstrate your qualities


• Employers will not buy generic employees


• Employers will buy intangible qualities implied by your brand

How to create your brand;

Your brand consists of your Vision, Value, Purpose and Passion. Examine your brand qualities, look at your target audience, and pay attention to your competition and crossroad of all that is your brand. Your brand has the 3 C’s consistency, clarity and constancy

The Ten Rules of Building Your Brand Bio

When creating your career marketing tools, start with your brand bio. It will be a reference for all your other communications. Here are the ten rules for building a compelling brand bio:

• Know your brand. You can't brand your bio until you have a clear understanding of your brand - your unique promise of value. Do you know what makes you differentiated and interesting?


• Make it unique. Your bio should be written such that it could only be used by you. That means choosing not only the words, but also the style and emotions your bio conveys.


• Mix it up. Ensure the right mix of credentials, personality and interesting facts about you. You don't have to put every detail in your bio.


• Seek support. You are expert in what you do, find an expert writer to ensureYour bio exudes your brand and wows your target audience.


• Let your hair down. You have more flexibility to let your personality shine through your bio. Don't be too rigid or too factual. Use this opportunity to become attractive to hiring managers, executive recruiters, etc.


• Compare it. Read the bios of your colleagues. What makes yours stand out? Could any of them put their names on the top of your bio?


• Be consistent. Ensure harmony with your other communications tools. Don't look at your bio separate from your resume, cover letters, personal web site, blog, etc. All of your personal brand communications must work together to paint a relevant and compelling portrait.


• Test it out. The best way to learn what people think about your bio is to ask them. Get input from people who matter and refine your bio if necessary.


• Keep it current. As you progress in your career, you have new and exciting input for your bio. Don't be selling yesterday's news.


• Spread the word. Create versions that differ in length and use your bio everywhere - on your personal web site or blog, in your e-network profile(Linkedln, Ecademy, etc) at the end of articles and white papers you write, etc.

Have a job seeking question for Judit? Send it to info@nejobshow.org

New England Job Show - Show 8: Gloria Steinem

"You are no more important than anyone else nor are you less important either."


Plus other interviews from the Women's Leadership Summit, Southern New Hampshire University, June 12., 2009.

MASSACHUSETTS AUTHORIZES SECOND CHANCE ELECTIONS FOR MINI-COBRA

The following information was sent to us by Attorney John McMorrow of Mirick O'Connell in Worcester, Mass. http://www.mirickoconnell.com/ John discussed COBRA on a recent NEJS Show. To see John's interview click here.

Background

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("ARRA") is effective February 17, 2009. This law gives a nine month 65% federal subsidy to employees who are involuntarily terminated during the period September 28, 2008 to December 31, 2009, their COBRA beneficiaries at the time of the termination, and children born or adopted after the involuntary termination date.

These persons are defined in ARRA as assistance eligible individuals ("AEIs"). The 65% subsidy is available to AEIs of businesses that are too small (less than 20 employees) to be covered by federal COBRA, provided the employer is in a state like MA which has a "mini-COBRA" law that is similar to federal COBRA.

ARRA also gave "second chance" enrollment rights to AEIs if involuntary termination occurred during the period September 1, 2008 through February 16, 2009, and if these persons either had not elected COBRA or had dropped COBRA. The federal second chance election would allow coverage to start on the first coverage period on or after February 17, 2009, which usually meant March 1, 2009.

States were given the optional right to provide "second chance" enrollment rights in their mini-COBRA law. Section 41 of Senate Bill No 2101, signed into law on July 2, 2009, adds "second chance" rights to MGL Ch. 176J, Section 9, the Massachusetts mini-COBRA law.

"Second chance" enrollment rights in Massachusetts

A second chance mini-COBRA enrollment in MA is effective as of August 1, 2009 (or, if earlier, the first billing cycle starting on or after July 2, but August 1 is the date for most small groups).

It can last for the duration of the 18 month period that would have applied if mini-COBRA had been elected at the time of the involuntary termination. Notification of this new right is required within 60 days of the new MA law's enactment on July 2, 2009. Small employers should coordinate with their insurers to determine whether the carrier will send the notice or whether the employer will do so.

If the AEI is eligible for the 65% federal COBRA subsidy, the small employer that collects the 35% does not have to advance the remaining 65% to the carrier, as is the case with federal COBRA. Instead, the carrier is expected to cover the 65%, and it will then file for reimbursement with the US Treasury.

If the AEI does not have rights to the 65% subsidy (because of eligibility for other group insurance), he or she may still elect full-priced "second chance" coverage, provided there is no other coverage actually in existence.

NEJS Volunteer Opportunities Offer Rewards

The New England Job Show is looking for volunteers to help in various areas. If you are interested in:

• Camera work


• Editing


• Production


• Distribution


• Coordinating Programs


• Public relations


• Marketing


• Project management


• Design


• Technology


• Fundraising


• And more...........then you would be interested in volunteering for the show.

We offer the opportunity to learn new skills or to sharpen existing skills, to meet interesting people, to open doors, to increase your networking opportunities and to help others help themselves.

If you are interested, please contact the job show at thejobshow@gmail.com

NEJS: Show 7.....COBRA

Do You Have Questions About COBRA...this show has the answers!


This Show features information on COBRA

For more information on COBRA Health Coverage and notice requirements under ARRA, contact the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration at 1-866-444-3272, or visit www.dol.gov/COBRA.

New Cobra Rules (April 24 2009)

This PowerPoint presentation relates to the COBRA interview above.

New Cobra Rules (April 24 2009) (A1408309)[1]

"Sometimes Losing A Job Can Be The Best Gift That Was Ever Given You"

A segment of an interview with humorist and author Loretta LaRoche.
A complete version of this interview will be aired soon on The New England Job Show.

Ashburton Place Career Seminar - Lessons In Surviving The Economic Downturn

Friday June 26 at Suffolk University

Show above is Massachusetts Secretary Of State Suzanne Bump

by Adam Stander, NEJS Reporter

I was glad I had the opportunity to attend this great career seminar and want to thank the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development represented by Secretary Suzanne Bump, Alison Harris Director of Communications, Eliza Parrish Director of Alumni Relations at the Sawyer Business School.

The Agenda

Our moderator was Larry Stybel, President of Stybel Peabody Associates, Executive in Residence at Suffolk University. After Larry we had Michael Brown, Adjunct Professor Employment Law, Suffolk Law School. I was unable to condense the entire day into the blog, instead concentrated on three speakers, and did not include the remarks by Lawyer Michael Brown, or the health care presentation by Dr. Wes Boyd, PhD, Massachusetts Medical Society Clinical, Harvard Medical School.

Surviving The Economic Downturn

My take on the whole day was something akin to an unemployment boot-camp on how to survive the economic downturn, led by some very heavy-hitters in government,

Michael Brown, Adjunct Professor, Suffolk Law School

employment,education, law, finance and health. The “Ashburton Series” career seminars were the brainchild of Allison Harris and Eliza Parrish as Larry explained during welcoming remarks.

Work Hard On Your Skills And Education

First up was Secretary Suzanne Bump from the state with a 30,000 foot view of Massachusetts economic employment monthly status. Some stats: Massachusetts ranks 30th in the nation in percentage of jobs lost,

Dr. Wes Boyd, PhD, Harvard Medical School

we are fairing better than many other states, we’re losing 13,000 jobs a month, unemployment at 8.2% and on the rise, however, 4900 jobs were actually created in Mass in May. Mass is keeping it’s population, tough on the unemployed though. Suzanne suggests that you work harder on your skills and education. Are you competitive? Get credentials, degree, enhance your competitive abilities.

Considered Traditional Job Searches

Next-up was Larry Stybel, lstybel@stybelpeabody.com who primarily deals with senior executives and founders in the technology sectors offering outplacement services.

Larry Stybel, President of Stybel Peabody Associates

He offered both traditional and non-traditional approaches to job seeking that take into account low probability events that others are not doing.

He encourages networking. However, when there’s more good people than jobs it can turn into a complaint session. Although he reiterated what Secretary Bump had said about the unemployment rate being a lagging indicator behind all others, judging by the upturn of employment activity by his clients he sees it as a leading indicator in Mass.

He also recommends non-traditional job searches including “driving for dollars” searching companies in your immediate area, social networking site Linkedin as your professional face like Facebook is your social face, in which he advises searching for other professionals at the company you’re applying to on the network, and to get references or referrals on your profile where recruiters will be searching.

Get Your Finances In Order

I’ll wind up this segment of the career seminar with Charles Atherton, Instructor of Finance at Suffolk, managing your finances, practical things you can do. Some of those include: reducing debt, in refinancing your mortgage for a lower rate or reducing monthly payment go to http://www.makinghomeaffordable.com/ , loans held by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae.

Other recommendations include, if you need more cash during the downturn, burrow against retirement account from 401k, hardship withdrawal and burrowing from an insurance policy. His advice: the

Charles Atherton, Instructor of Finance at Suffolk

economy shouldn’t cause you to radically change your investments. Folks in their 40’s and early 50’s need to be buying selectively in the downturn, and then sell selectively in the eventual upturn.

Lastly, Secretary Bump gave her closing remarks, and the workshops ended with a professional resume review session in the café that was quite good.

To write to to Adam Stander click here. For more information on Adam click here.

New England Job Show - Show 6

This version of The New England Job Show includes a discussion about getting your retirement funds in order and information about volunteering while you are unemployed. For more information on The New England Job Show write to info@nejobshow.org

Interview With Former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift

The New England Job Show recently had the privileged to interview Former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift. Here is one excerpt from that interview. Watch for information on the airing of this interview. If The New England Job Show is not in your town, contact info@nejobshow.org

What's Next On The New England Job Show

What's coming up on future New England Job Shows?

Information on Cobra, Career Center overviews, a discussion on social networking, lessons in interviewing, a meeting with former Massachusetts governor Jane Swift, an interview with author and humorists Loretta LaRoche and much more. Stay tuned for details.

Meeting Gloria Steinem: A woman for all times

NEJS host and mentor Ajita Perera writes a column for the Worcester Examiner. Her latest article is about her opportunity to interview Gloria Steinem. Here is the introduction and link to that story.

Her name is synonymous with the women’s liberation movement. She is an icon for feminism, a journalist and writer of repute. She is Gloria Steinem and at 75 years of age is still a woman for all times. I was privileged to spend a few moments with her at the recent Women’s Leadership Summit held at Southern New Hampshire University. I conducted a TV interview with Ms. Steinem for the New England Job Show and here is the transcript of that interview.

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=98036386734&h=KuwB3&u=R73VO&ref=mf

NEJS Moment: Gloria Steinem

At the recent Women's Leadership Summit, The New England Job Show had the great pleasure to interview Author and Feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Here is a part of that interview. Watch for details when the complete interview will be aired. It is something you don't want to miss.

NEJS Moment: Advice For Women In Job Search

Recently The New England Job Show had the opportunity to interview a number of key speakers at The Women's Summit at the Southern New Hampshire University. Shown below is a segment of one of those interviews with Author and Life Coach Dr. Lois Frankel. NEJS's Julie Bernard asked her: "What is the best advice you can give women in the job search today?" Watch for this and other interviews on upcoming New England Job Shows. If the New England Job Show is not on your local town cable, write to info@nejobshow.org

NEJS Moment: Interview With Dr. Annabel Beerel

At the recent Women's Summit The New England Job Show had the opportunity to interview the Summit organizer Dr. Annabel Beerel. Here is a part of that interview. Watch for details about when the full interview will air.

NEJS Interviews Leaders At Women's Summit

The New England Job Show had the opportunity to interview some of the key speakers at a recent Women's Summit held on the campus of the Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester. Below are photos of some of those interviews. Watch for details as to when those interviews will be on the Show. Above and below: NEJS's Ajita Perera interviews Author and Feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Below: NEJS's Doug Mcallister is running the camera.

Above: NEJS's Julie Bernard interviews author and humorist Loretta LaRoche
Above and below: NEJS's Kristyn Silk interviews former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift. Above: NEJS's Doug Mcallister runs camera as NEJS's Ajita Perera watches the action.
NEJS's Julie Bernard (right) and Author and Life Skills Coach Dr. Lois Frankel

The NEJS's On Site Team and Women's Summit Organizer Dr. Annabel Beerel (left seated).

NEJS Is Now On Demand!!!!! -We Are Just A Few Clicks Away!

Comcast has now put The New England Job Show On Demand throughout New England. This means that the Show is now being seen in millions of household throughout the region!

To find the Show enter On Demand and scroll to Get Local then New England Shows and then NE Job Show.

The Show is broken into three sections: Information, Elevator Pitches and Happy Landings. For more information on The New England Job Show write to info@nejobshow.org