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Every day I talk to job search candidates who are hoping to find their dream job – one where they can have a major influence on the creation of some potentially world-changing stuff.
But they’re never sure where to start.
Luckily, Vancouver Startup Week Recruitment Fair is happening on September 22, at TELUS World of Science. The fair will connect hundreds of job seekers with Vancouver’s top 20 tech companies and others who are sparking a movement here in the city.
The best part is that it’s easy to get involved. How easy? Well, let’s just say you don’t need a lottery ticket to get in. In preparation for attending (and you know you want to go), I have a few tips to help you stand out from the crowd, because a good first impression is the first step to success at a recruitment fair.
Some helpful hints:
Do a social media audit on yourself
Yes, I’m talking about doing a review on your LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram profile. Why? Because recruiters [like me] are looking for candidates through these social media channels to find the right fit.
Quick fact: Employers are less likely to interview applicants they can’t find online
Now, ask yourself these questions:
- Is my LinkedIn profile up-to-date?
- Am I following companies I’d like to work for?
- Have I checked my privacy settings?
Creep every company that will have a presence at the fair
Employers are assuming and/or hoping you’ve already checked them out online and know what they’re all about. Put on that Nancy Drew hat and do a little prep work: find out which roles the companies are hiring for and who the recruiters are.
Bring your networking A-game
This recruitment fair is about connecting. It’s a great opportunity to network with some amazing companies/employers. By nature I’m an introvert (which may come as a shock to some), and I completely understand how difficult it can be to walk right up to someone you don’t know, and start talking about yourself. If networking doesn’t come naturally to you, you can prepare by:
- Setting realistic goals for who you’d like to meet
- Creeping every company (yes, I’m repeating myself). That way, when you’re speaking with a company rep, you’ll already have a few ideas of what they’re looking for and and specify how it matches what you’re looking for in a career.
- Finding out who a company’s recruiters are, to feel them out before you approach them
- Introducing yourself on social media ahead of the event
- Attending the Recruitment Fair with a buddy
- Smiling
Don’t wake up on the wrong side of the bed
Wake up on the best side of the bed that’s closest to your resume or laptop where you can showcase your LinkedIn profile!
Many people look great “on paper,” but if the persona of the eager and talented jobseeker doesn’t come across in real life, you might not land that dream job.
That’s it! Now, take control over your career; come check out Vancouver’s Startup Week Recruitment Fair. And remember, you don’t need a lottery ticket to get in, but if you follow my advice, it just might help you win that dream job after all!
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About the author: Angela Bortolussi is a Senior Technology Recruiter & HR Specialist with Recruiting Social. She bounces between the Los Angeles and Vancouver office, helping fast-growth startup companies get to the next level, while finding those big thinkers.