WHAT TO DO AT A JOB FAIR

WHAT TO DO AT A JOB FAIR   

Job fairs are the “meat markets” of the entry-level job market, with employers sizing up candidates quickly, based on appearances and first impressions.

You are being evaluated, whether it is for 30 seconds or 30 minutes.  You always need to be at your very best.  If you are to succeed, you have to take a very aggressive yet structured approach.

What to bring

Resume  (bring 2 copies per company you plan to speak with)          Your resume should be specific and targeted.

Two key areas are the objective / profile summaryand the first job listed. Make sure it is direct and to-the-point.

Letters of Recommendation (bring 3 copies per company)   

Portfolio  (leather or vinyl-bound portfolio to hold resumes etc.)   

Briefcase  (more “professional look” to store literature than a plastic bag)   

Dress  (image is crucial, dress “business casual” with comfortable shoes)    

Tips

•      Plan to spend your entire day at a job fair if there are a lot of companies.

•      Spend time in advance researching the companies.

•      Best time to attend is early in the morning and late in the day (to avoid lines).

•      Offer to bring the recruiter lunch, soda or water…may set you apart from the crowd.

People behind the Tables

•      Recruiters who attend these events are NOT hiring managers.  They usually work in Personnel/Human Resources.

•      Their job is to screen the resumes and “weed out” the less experienced so the hiring managers can focus on the best candidates.

•      Your resume is going to make or break the screening decision to interview you.

•      Your appearance and attitude will also help the recruiter determine if you will fit in with the team/company.

Walk-Around Technique

1.     Walk around the job fair

When you first arrive, walk around the job fair to get a feel for the layout and where each employer is located.  Decide who you want to speak with and in what order.

             

2.    Walk around the employer

Don’t stand in line right away.  First, approach the company table from the side and pick up some literature, job openings, etc.  Stand back and listen to the recruiter.  Ask yourself two questions: “Is this something I’m interested in?” and “Am I able to show that I am qualified for the position(s) they are offering?”  If your answer is “Yes,” then stand in line and read over the company materials.

Standing in line is also a great networking opportunity.  Talk to people in line to find out what other companies they may have already talked to so you can focus on the good ones and avoid the bad.

When you approach the recruiter, step up to the table and introduce yourself.  A firm handshake and direct eye contact are important.  Show that you are alert, awake, enthusiastic and confident.

State your specific job goals  and how it fits in with the needs of the company.    

Offer to submit your resume and letters of recommendation.     

Do not walk up to the table and say, “I am looking for a job.”  You need to be direct and focused if you want to make a good impression.

If you created a personal business card, hand that out.  Do not use a business card from your current employer with a work phone and email.  Collect business cards from each employer, take notes on the back, and when you get home create a minidiary about the day’s events, who you met, what you learned, etc.  This will come in handy when you get a call for an interview.

Mini-Interview

•      If you stand to the side of the table (4-6 feet back), you will be able to determine if the recruiter is conducting interviews.

•      The mini-interview takes place at the table and lasts only 5-10 minutes.

•      In advance, prepare a 60 second “infomercial” or “elevator speech” about yourself.

•      You will need to elaborate on your resume, describing your background and how you are someone who is a good fit with the company’s needs (this is why you do

research!).

•      Be prepared to explain an item on your resume in full detail.

•      Ask for a business card after the interview.

•      Ask the recruiter: What is the next step in the hiring process?   Write notes and make sure that you follow through with the recruiter’s comments, such as mailing a resume or completing an application.  

•      FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS IS THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS!

Personality Matching Technique

•      This technique is considered the secret to a successful interview.

•      You mirror the personality of the person to whom you are speaking.

•      Result?  Instant rapport!  We tend to like people who are like ourselves.

•      Match the voice  (tempo and pitch).

•      Match the physical characteristics  (facial expressions and posture).

•      Most importantly, identify your own personal boundaries of comfort.  

Negotiate

If you see a company that you really want to work for, but they are not hiring for your field or area of interest…what can you do?

If the line isn’t too long, approach the recruiter and ask: “Who should I contact in your company for a position in my field (ie. computer programming)?”  They might take your resume and tell you that they will forward it.  But, you NEED to get a name and phone number to follow up.  Then, call that person directly or call the recruiter you just met to get further contact information.  YOUR MAIN OBJECTIVE is to get the name and title of the primary contact within the company who hires in your field.

Before you leave

Go back to the companies you really want to work for.  Wait until the recruiter is free, then walk up and thank him/her/them for their time.  The lasting impression is very important for future contact.  Remember, they may be reviewing 50-100 resumes, and it is best if they can remember your name and face over the other candidates!

Follow-Up

•      When you get home, call the recruiter’s office phone number and leave a message thanking them for meeting with you at the job fair.

•      Send a “thank you” card by mail to confirm your interest:

•      Thanks for taking the time to meet with me on May 22 at the XX Job Fair.

•      Here are the qualifications and experience I can bring to the position.

•      I would appreciate the opportunity to speak to you further in an interview.

•      I will call your office next week to arrange a time when you can further discuss how my skills can benefit your firm.

  

*Remember, NO JOB OFFERS  will be made at the Job Fair.  But, if you follow through with all the steps, you may be on your way towards a successful interview at the company of your choice!

MAKE IN INDIA

“MAKE IN INDIA”- A BOOST TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.

 Sandip Das

 The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prior to the commencement of his maiden US visit, last month launched ‘Make in India’,  a major national initiative which focuses on making India a global manufacturing hub.

Key thrust of the programme would be on cutting down in delays in manufacturing projects clearance, develop adequate infrastructure and make it easier for companies to do business in India. The 25 key sectors identified under the programme include automobiles, auto components, bio-technology, chemicals, defence manufacturing, electronic systems, food processing, leather, mining, oil & gas, ports, railways, ports and textile.

The national progamme aims at time-bound project clearances through a single online portal which will be further supported by the eight-member team dedicated to answering investor queries within 48 hours and addressing key issues including labor laws, skill development and infrastructure.

The objective of the mega programme is to ensure that manufacturing sector which contributes around 15% of the country’s Gross Domestic Products is increased to 25% in next few years.

Speaking to more than 500 top global CEOs along with captains of Indian industry at the event in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on September 25^th, Prime Minister termed 'Make in India' initiative a lion step to usher in increased manufacturing in the country, which will ultimately generate more employment opportunities for the poor and give greater purchasing power in their hands. The mega even was watched live in several cities in India and abroad through video conferencing,

He urged the domestic as well as global investors not to look at India merely as a market, but instead see it as an opportunity.  “When we talk of Make in India, we are not just offering a competitive situation and we give you an opportunity to create a huge market for your product. After all, handsome buyer is equally important as cost effective manufacturing.,” Modi told a packed audience.  

Cutting down on procedural delay

However, for making India an investment hub, the first and foremost importance step would be to create a efficient administrative machinery which would cut down on delays in project clearances. Economists say that India has been very stringent when it comes to giving procedural and regulatory clearances. Besides a time bound clearance from all regulatory authority would create a conducive environment for business.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that India being ranked low on the ‘ease of doing business’ ranking by World Bank and added that he has started to sensitize the Government officials in this regard. On his recent meeting with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, Modi said “World Bank President was also expressing this worry. Probably we were 135th in the world at that time. If we have to come to 50 from 135 then Government alone can do this. If Government brings transparency in its decisions and rules, pushes works with simplicity we can occupy number 50 from 135 in ease of doing business,”.

Delay in getting regulatory clearances lead to rise in cost of production. A leading multinational automobile major said "costs of production in India increase because of various government policies, procedures, regulations and the way some of the laws are implemented,". The quicker the government addresses these challenges its better for the industry to set up facilities in the country.

For providing better infrastructure for the industry, there has been a big constraint in term of land acquisition.

Often land acquisition for the industrial purpose run into trouble at the local level.

Tax sops & focus on innovation

Economists have noted that with the globalization becoming a reality, Indian manufacturers will have to compete with the best and cheapest the rest of the world has to offer even in the domestic market.

They urged for providing tax concessions to any industry which would set up manufacturing facility in the country. Besides a critical aspect is the country’s huge small and medium-sized industries which could play a big role in making the country take the next big leap in manufacturing.

“India should be more focused towards novelty and innovation for the sectors indentified and integration with the country’s premier institute for carrying out research and development would be critical to the success of the make in India programme,” a leading industrialist said.

Skill development & thrust on education

Stressing that his government has given top priority to skill development, Prime Minister had said the government is currently doing mapping for assessing skill manpower demand for specific sectors. He noted that there has to be synchronization between the objectives of the government, academic world, industry and job seekers for ensuring that industry specific skills are imparted.

Experts argue that the country needs to focus on quality education not just skill development. “In the emerging economy, people will need to continuously learn new skills to meet the economy’s changing requirements,” an official with an industry association observed.

Prime Minister also promised that specific sectors would be asked to access Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) located across the country to train manpower locally as per their needs. “You will get a good worker for your industry and our ITI will start running. Our youngsters will get employment, his family will be strengthened and better purchasing power will help the economy. ,” Modi told top industrialists.

In the last couple of years, National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) initiated work on creating a labour market information system which would help industry sourcing their manpower requirement.

  

After getting information on labour market, the government would provide accredition to manpower agencies so that the industry can access information on the manpower requirement.

Reforms in the labour laws

Besides the skill development, labour law flexibility is a key element for the success of this campaign for increasing manufacturing in the country. Economists say that “labour law flexibility does not imply ‘hire and fire’ policy, it’s about providing a sound social safety net to workers.”

Experts say that the country has some of the most comprehensive labour laws at the same time a large parts of working population do not have access to social security net.

Prime Minister had stressed the faster the bulk of Indian middle class increases, the faster people move from poverty to middle class, the faster will be their conversion into a favourable market for the world. He said his government's focus will be on physical infrastructure creation as well as creating a digital network for making India a hub for global manufacturing of goods ranging from cars to softwares, satellites to submarines and paper to power.

A leading Economist said the big challenge for ‘Make in India’ campaign would face constant comparison with

China's 'Made in China' campaign. The China launched the campaign at the same day as India seeking to retain its manufacturing prowess. “India should constantly keep up its strength so as to outpace China's supremacy in the manufacturing sector,” he noted.

Categorically stating that there is a need for some fundamental changes in Indian economy so that the country emerges as global manufacturing base, Modi explained “on the one hand, manufacturing growth is to be promoted, at the same time we need to ensure that direct benefit goes to the youngsters of India. He should get employment so that there is improvement in the economic situation of even the poorest family. These poor should move towards middle class and there purchasing power should improve. This will lead to manufacturing growth and growth of the market,”.  

Demographic dividend

Notwithstanding the challenges faced in making India a manufacturing hub, the country is poised to reap rich dividend for being one of the youngest nations in the world.

According to reports by 2020, India is set to become the world’s youngest country with 64% of its population in the working age group.

With the Western countries, Japan and even China aging, this demographic potential offers India and its growing economy an edge that economists believe could add a significant 2% to the GDP growth rate annually.

Prime Minister also had said that India is the only country in the world which offers the unique combination of democracy, demography, and demand from a rising middle class.

Besides, the campaign would ensure closer centre and states relations for promoting India as a global manufacturing hub. “If investment comes in the States, it comes in India also. States and Centre should work collectively, shoulder to shoulder as a team. they should find solution together and things move forward,”. Modi urged.

Although a sound beginning has been made for the Make in India campaign, now the ball is in the government’s court to ensure its success. 

100 Verbal Questions and Answers

Verbal 

1.     Depreciation: deflation, depression, devaluation, fall, slump

2.     Deprecate : feel and express disapproval, 

3.     Incentive : thing one encourages one to do (stimulus)

4.     Echelon : level of authority or responsibility

5.     Innovation : make changes or introduce new things

6.     Intermittent : externally stopping and then starting

7.     Detrimental: harmful

8.     Conciliation : make less angry or more friendly

9.     Orthodox: conventional or traditional, superstitious

10.  Fallible : liable to error

11.  Volatile : ever changing

12.  Manifest: clear and obvious

13.  Connotation : suggest or implied meaning of expression

14.  Reciprocal: reverse or opposite

15.  Agrarian : related to agriculture

16.  Vacillate : undecided or dilemma

17.  Expedient : fitting proper, desirable

18.  Simulate : produce artificially resembling an existing one.

19.  Access : to approach

20.  Compensation: salary

21.  Truncate : shorten by cutting

22.  Adherence : stick

23.  Heterogeneous: non similar things

24.  Surplus : excessive

25.  Assess : determine the amount or value

26.  Cognizance : knowledge

27.  Retrospective : review

28.  Naive : innocent, rustic

29.  Equivocate : tallying on both sides, lie, mislead

30.  Postulate : frame a theory

31.  Latent : dormant, secret

32.  Fluctuation : wavering,

33.  Eliminate : to reduce

34.  Affinity : strong liking

35.  Expedite : hasten

36.  Console : to show sympathy

37.  Adversary : opposition

38.  Affable : lovable or approachable

39.  Decomposition : rotten

40.  Agregious : apart from the crowd, especially bad

41.  Conglomeration: group, collection

42.  Aberration: deviation

43.  Augury : prediction

44.  Creditability : ability to common belief, quality of being credible

45.  Coincident: incidentally

46.  Constituent : accompanying

47.  Differential : having or showing or making use of

48.  Litigation : engaging in a law suit

49.  Moratorium: legally or officially determined period of delay before fulfillment of the agreement of paying of debts.

50.  Negotiate : discuss or bargain

51.  Preparation : act of preparing

52.  Preponderant : superiority of power or quality

53.  Relevance : quality of being relevant

54.  Apparatus : appliances

55.  Ignorance : blindness, in experience

56.  Obsession: complex enthusiasm

57.  precipitate : speed, active

58.  corroborative:  refutable

59.  obnoxious : harmless

60.  sanction:  hinder

61.  empirical: experimental

62.  aborigine:  emigrant

63.  corpulent :   emaciated  

64.  officious:  pragmate    

65.  Agitator : Firebrand :: Renegade : Turncoat

66.  Burst : Sound :: Tinder : Fire

67.  Star : cluster :: Tree : clump

68.  Piston : Cylinder :: elevator : shaft

69.  Mitigate : punishment :: commute : sentence

70.  Erudite : scholar :: illiterate : ignorant

71.  Fire : Ashes :: explosion : debris  

72.  mason : wall :: Author : Book  

73.  Fire : Ashes :: Event : memories

74.  (a) cheerleaders : pompoms

(b)  audience:seats

(c)  team:goalposts

(d)  conductor:podium

(e)  referee:decision

 Ans. (a)

75.  archipelago:islands::

(a)  arbor:bower

(b)  garden:flower

(c)  mountain:valley

(d)  sand:dune

(e)  constellation:star

Ans. (a)

76. crow:boastful ::

(a) smirk:witty (b) conceal:s;y

(c)  pout:sulky

(d)  blush:coarse

(e)  bluster:unhappy

Ans. (a)

77. bracket:shelf ::

(a)  hammer:anvil

(b)  girder:rivet

(c)  strut:rafter

(d)  valve:pipe

(e)  bucket:well

Ans. (a)

78. taxonomy:classification ::

(a)  etymology:derivation

(b)  autonomy:authorization (c) economy:rationalization

(d)  tautology:justification

(e)  ecology:urbanisation

Ans. (a)

79. moderator:debate ::

(a)  legislator:election

(b)  chef:banquet

(c)  auditor:lecture

(d)  conspirator:plot

(e)  umpire:game

Ans. (a)

80. glossary:words ::

(a)  catalogue:dates

(b)  atlas:maps

(c)  almanac:synonyms

(d)  thesaurus:rhymes

(e)  lexicon:numbers

Ans. (a)

81. lumber: bear ::

(a)  roost:hen

(b)  bray:donkey

(c)  waddle:goose

(d)  swoop:hawk

(e)  chirp:sparrow

Ans. (a)

82. celerity:snail ::

(a)  indolence:sloth

(b)  cunning:weasel

(c)  curiosity:cat

(d)  humility:peacock

(e)  obstinacy:mule

Ans. (a)

83. wood:sand ::

(a)  coal:burn

(b)  brick:lay (c) oil:polish

(d)  metal:burnish

(e)  stone:quarry

Ans. (a)

84. carpenter:saw :: 

(a)  stenographer:typist

(b)  painter:brush

(c)  lawyer:brief

(d)  runner:sneakers

(e)  seamstress:scissors

Ans. (a)

85. horns:bull :: 

(a)  mane:lion

(b)  wattles:turkey

(c)  antlers:stag

(d)  hooves:horse

(e)  wings:eagle

Ans. (a)

86. gullible:duped :: 

(a)  credible:cheated

(b)  careful:cautioned

(c)  malleable:moulded

(d)  myopic:mislead

(e)  articulate:silenced

Ans. (a)

87. marathon:stamina :: 

(a)  relay:independence

(b)  hurdle:perseverance

(c)  sprint:celerity (d) job:weariness

(e) ramble:directness

Ans. (a)

88. Skin:man ::

(a)  hide:animal

(b)  jump:start

(c)  peel:potato

(d)  eat:food

(e)  wool:cloth

Ans. (a)

89. Bamboo:Shoot :: 

(a)  Bean:Sprout

(b)  Peas:Pod

(c)  Potato:Eye

(d)  Carrot:Root

(e)  Leaf:Stem

Ans. (a)

90. Deflect:Missile :: 

(a)  Siege:Castle

(b)  Distract:Attraction

(c)  Protect:Honour

(d)  Drop:Catch

(e)  Score:Goal

Ans. (a)

91. Editor:magazine :: 

(a) captain:ship (b) actor:movie (c) director:film (d) player:team

(e) jockey:horse

Ans. (a)

92. Volcano : Lava :: 

(a)  Fault:earthquate

(b)  crack:wall (c) tunnel:dig

(d)  water:swim

(e)  floor:polish

Ans. (a)

93. Disregarded 

(a)  heed 

(b)  hopeful

(c)  evade (d) dense

Ans. (a)

94. Obviate (a) becloud

(b)  necessitate

(c)  rationalize (d) execute

Ans. (b)

95. Superficial (a)  profound

(b)  exaggerated

(c)  subjective (d) spirited

Ans. (a)

96.     chief : tribe :: governer : state

97.     epaulette : shoulder :: tiara : head 

98.     guttural : throat :: gastric : stomach

99.     inept : clever :: languid : active

100.  Erudite : scholar :: illiterate : ignorant