[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]Hello,[/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]Since you wrote a novel, mine has ended up the same in an effort to address many of your questions. Feel free to bring this to bed if you happen to have difficulty getting to sleep![/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]It’s quite normal to be a little on edge & have heaps of questions – just try to relax and be yourself while still conveying your enthusiasm. The simple fact that you’re thinking so much about how to approach the job fair is a good sign.[/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]Expect it to be crowded – I’d suggest arriving relatively early and planning to spend a large portion of the day. With any job, I prefer to make an impression before the stacks of applicant resumes become too high. Go the first day and express that you will be available the second if they would like to speak with you further.[/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]Dress as professionally as you are comfortable. Be prepared to see others show up very casually, including baseball caps and piercings, though I’ll never understand why. Personally, I always shoot for a step nicer than most – as someone already said, khakis & nice oxford are fine for this setting.[/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]Have MANY copies of your resume available, making sure to include an email address which you plan to check regularly. I had a separate page with reference contact info, which I only provided to those managers expressing a definite interest in hiring me.[/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]As for the recruiter you previously met, I’d send a casual cover letter type email with your resume this week, mentioning that you look forward to meeting them in person at the job fair. Then, come up with a few brief questions so that you have reason to touch base via telephone a few days beforehand. Anything differentiating you from the masses by triggering recognition when your name crosses a desk is a good thing.[/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]You mentioned that you want to work and that you don’t mind manual labor. That being the case, I’d strongly suggest the general assistant (GA) position over that of a dishwasher (DA). Don’t limit yourself too much, though – read through all of the job descriptions & keep in mind that ALL of the qualifications are pretty flexible & negotiable. Pick a few “safety” jobs but also go for some better positions, as well as remaining open to suggestions from the hiring managers.[/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]As I am sure you can imagine, there are many options – describing all variations of available positions is nearly impossible in online descriptions. If you express enthusiasm, flexibility, versatility and a willingness to learn, you could end up with something far better than you see listed.[/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]Above all else, be persistent and positive – don’t forget to follow up with the traditional thank you notes as if these were normal job interviews. [/font:joc5lm2p][font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]Good luck, have fun & don’t forget to get out and enjoy yourself a little while you’re there![/font:joc5lm2p]
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[font=Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif:joc5lm2p]Cheers,
Erica[/font:joc5lm2p]