I observed a job fair from the opposite side of the table this week.  In the past, I was the eager, student trying to take advantage of meeting with recruiters. Instead, I was the recruiter, and people were trying to meet with me. I have to admit, I was a little shocked at the behavior of the some of the recent or soon to be graduates. As the day went on I started to create a check list of the essential things one must possess before attending a job fair. I will first start with some of the initial observations of the applicant pool.

1. Based on what I observed there are a lot of job seekers who have yet to hear the saying: “dress to impress”.
2. Job searching in packs doesn’t make you look cooler.
3. Walking by 5 times before deciding to approach doesn’t exactly exude a ‘take charge’ kind of attitude.
4. Gum chewing, really?
5. Lift your head and look before approaching. Walking up to an insurance agency inquiring about healthcare positions might be a slight indication you have no idea who you’re talking to.
6. One applicant thanked us for talking. Are other companies not talking?
7. Scatterbrains need not apply.  I think my favorite applicant of the day was a gentleman who was very qualified but could not stop wandering his eyes around the room during our conversation. He told me he was scatterbrained, and there was too much going on around him. He came across as very disinterested, and his resume did not make it in the keep pile.

I know it can be nerve racking, but applicants must perceive the job fair as speed dating for jobs. It is essentially multiple mini interviews, the same rules that apply to the interview apply at the job fair. These are my quick tips to help you ace the job fair.

1. Research, Research, Research!

Every registered student receives a list of companies who will be attending the fair. The most important thing you can do, is pick out the companies you would like to talk to and research them! Have questions prepared for the recruiters, make a plan. Know exactly where each booth is located, map it out, and NEVER ask: What do you guys do? We all have smart phones, Google it!

2. Be prepared with a lot of resumes. Do a quick Google search of creative resume designs and find something that makes your paper stand out from the other piles. It might also be important to have a couple different job specific versions of your resume.

3. First impressions are key. We will be chatting with many students today. What makes you stand out? Please dress business professional, offer a strong handshake, direct eye contact is crucial, comb your hair, spit out the gum, and take out facial piercings. (Yes, I do happen to have a facial piercing, but I did not wear it to my interview).

4. Think about some common interview questions and come up with answers. Tell me about yourself? What type of position are you looking for? What is your past job experience? Is there anything else you would like for us to know? One student told me, “way to put me on the spot”. If you take advantage of being put on the spot, and come across as prepared and creative you will stick out in our mind when we are going through the stacks of resumes at the end of the day. Make yourself stand out!

5. As the mini interview comes to an end, conclude with offering a resume, asking for a business card, and inquiring about how you should follow up. Last but not least thank everyone who you spoke with, and offer one last hand shake.

I know these tips must seem like common sense but you would not believe the amount of students who were ill prepared. I promise if you practice just a few of these job fair prep ideas you will make a lasting impression on the companies present.

Staffing Industry Analysts 2012 Executive Forum

March 13-16, 2012  |  Red Rock Casino • Resort • Spa, Las Vegas, NV

The Staffing Industry Executive Forum is the most prominent annual meeting for CEOs, owners, and senior level executives from all sectors and segments of the staffing industry. Typically comprised of over 55% CEOs/owners and 90% VPs and above, the Executive Forum provides access to the top industry thinkers, leaders, and innovators, a focus on the staffing industry’s strategic issues, developing trends, future opportunities, and current challenges, and an unparalleled opportunity for informal, peer networking as well as more formal deal-making.

ASA Annual Convention and Expo

Staffing World 2011 is where the staffing industry’s top leaders join forces to focus on strategies for identifying and leveraging world-class business practices. It is also the world’s largest staffing industry marketplace, where you can explore the latest technologies, innovative products, and new services to help your firm keep its competitive edge.

Register today for Staffing World 2011, Oct. 11–14, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

ASA Releases Advance Program

In addition to the print Advance Program for Staffing World 2011, ASA has launched a digital edition on its new interactive publications platform, ASA Digital.

The Advance Program features all the information you need—including schedules and workshop descriptions. Plus, the digital edition gives readers one-click access to exhibitor information, makes it easy to share information via e-mail or on social networks, provides print options, and much more.

ASA Digital publications are also mobile-friendly. Using your smart phone’s browser, go to americanstaffing.net/digital.

Read the Staffing World 2011 Digital Advance Program

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be a part of sculpting the technology solutions that will drive your business processes and push you ahead of the competition. At the same time, gain in-depth knowledge of what Version 2011 has to offer and learn what other Avionté clients are doing to achieve greater success. 

• Connect, network and exchange ideas with other Avionté clients.
• Develop a greater understanding of everything Avionté and version 2011 has to offer.
• Learn about our new training and certification programs.
• Learn what’s coming in future releases.
• Provide valuable feedback and suggestions for future release features.
• Learn about staffing and software best practices and efficiency tips and tricks.
• Meet Avionté industry partners and learn about the 3rd party integrations available to you.
• Eat, drink, be social and just have fun!

Read posts on 2011 Forum:

Our Clients, Our Friends
Client Connection 2010

 Full Event Details Coming Soon!!

Webinar Slides: Impact of Health Reform on the Staffing Industry 4_2011

Thank you to all who attended our webinar yesterday.  We had a sold out show, so clearly health reform remains a topic the staffing industry is paying close attention to.  The feedback so far has been great and we are pleased to have provided some additional clarity for our participants.  A special thank you again to our industry partner, Essential StaffCare for presenting this information and helping to further inform our industry of what impact health reform is going to have on staffing now and in the future.

Avionté Staffing Software and Essential StaffCARE presented this webinar to offer current information on existing and pending health care reform legislation in a concise, informative, easy-to-understand webinar format.

Topics included:

• New taxes affecting employers: Medicare increases, excise and uninsured taxes
• New definitions: “large” and “small” employers, “full-time” and “full-time equivalent”
• Individual mandates: Penalties and exemptions
• Employer cost impact: coverage options Mini-med plans: history and future status
• Health care reform: commentary from a carrier’s perspective

You’re invited to attend our webinar on how upcoming changes in health care reform are likely to affect your staffing company.

Date:  Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Time: 2:00-3:30pm (EDT)
Cost:  FREE

Click Here to Register

Avionté Staffing Software and Essential StaffCARE are teaming up to present this webinar on a topic that’s been on everyone’s minds lately. This webinar offers current information on existing and pending health care reform legislation in a concise, informative, easy-to-understand webinar format.

Topics include:  

• New taxes affecting employers: Medicare increases, excise and uninsured taxes
• New definitions: “large” and “small” employers, “full-time” and “full-time equivalent”
• Individual mandates: Penalties and exemptions
• Employer cost impact: coverage options Mini-med plans: history and future status
• Health care reform: commentary from a carrier’s perspective 
   

This webinar will provide an overview of the new laws affecting employer health plans, including the effects on benefits offered to temporary employees. In addition to reviewing the new rules affecting employers, the insurance professionals at Essential StaffCARE will provide analysis and commentary so you can better understand how this might affect your company.

February 28-March 3, 2011, Fontainebleau Resort, Miami Beach, FL

The Staffing Industry Executive Forum is the most prominent annual meeting for CEOs, owners, and senior level executives from all sectors and segments of the staffing industry. Typically comprised of over 55% CEOs/owners and 90% VPs and above, the Executive Forum provides access to the top industry thinkers, leaders, and innovators, a focus on the staffing industry’s strategic issues, developing trends, future opportunities, and current challenges, and an unparalleled opportunity for informal, peer networking as well as more formal deal-making.

Avionté looks forward to seeing you there.

by Mike Scoville

I recently attended the Annual New Jersey Staffing Alliance conference in Edison, NJ.  What a great opportunity for local organizations to hear top-notch speakers in the staffing industry.  It was also an opportunity to speak with peers about the industry and where they see the economy heading.  Overall, I heard that 2010 looks to be a much, much better year than 2009 (Thank goodness!). 

During the event we heard from Jon Bartos and Neil Lebovits, true leaders in the staffing world.  Their emphasis on competition, commitment, discipline, and goals are the reasons they have found so much success in recruiting, business, and life.

I would like to thank Kathy Warren – Bryant Staffing, Daniel Muhlfelder – L.J. Gonzer Associates, and Jack Wellman – Joule, Inc., for inviting me to join NJSA.  I would encourage all New Jersey staffing companies to get involved with NJSA; involvement can help drive business ideas, network with peers, as well as give us a voice in local, state, and national government.

I look forward to becoming more involved with NJSA moving forward.

by Jason Ortner

Recently, I had the opportunity to take part in the 2010 CSP Owner’s Only Retreat (OOR).  The event was held in a beautiful location tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Southern California.  I was told the weather in southern California is typically warm and dry, well this year brought more rain and cooler weather than anyone expected.  Perhaps the weather flew in with me from Minnesota. . .

The theme at this year’s retreat was The Dawning of CSP’s Age of Aquarius. . . And yes there was even a 60s themed party mixed in with all the other activities.

While preparing for my first ever OOR, I received many tips and expectations from Lynn Ebro and Judy Lawton, who are wonderful to work with.   The OOR environment is very relaxing and laid back but was filled with experienced speakers and knowledge sharing among participants.  Each Owner has the opportunity to contribute ideas and learn from fellow California staffing agency owners.

This year’s retreat featured two “pre-retreat” activities where members could either enjoy a day shopping at a local outlet center or prepare their poker face for an evening of Texas Hold’em hosted by Joe Mackey.  I tried my luck at the poker table with Joe and several other Owners; needless to say I didn’t walk away with the money.  I did however, come away with a night of great conversation and the opportunity to be around friends.  The retreat environment is truly about being with friends and banding together to make the CSP stronger in this challenging economic setting.  I would encourage all members to attend these events and other networking opportunities to informally mingle with fellow California Owners while learning from industry experts.

I enjoyed the entire weekend as it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with individuals I met during the CSP Conference earlier this year in addition to meeting many new people.  During the presentations, I learned a great deal of about the current California market and how they’re focused on making improvements for the good of the industry.  Since the OOR is such an intimate setting, as a vendor I was able to participate in all of activities allowing me to speak with many people and learn more about the local industry.

Overall, the OOR was a success for me (Avionté) as we were able to share our staffing software experiences with many great people.  Thank you to everyone who I had the pleasure of meeting with.  The Poker game, 60s party, and a night out at the casino will be memories never forgotten.

If I wasn’t able to meet or speak with you during the retreat and you are interested in learning more about our dynamic software, please contact me.  It would be my pleasure to share how Avionté can assist your business by increasing productivity and lowering operating costs.

by John Long