Job Fairs are an effective and resourceful way to have the opportunity to network with various employers at one time and place, gather important information on companies and learn more about various industries.  Attending a job fair provides a convenient and efficient way to apply with several companies and allows one to set up immediate interviews.

Candidates should remember that while they are given the chance to talk with a number of employers, you generally only have a few minutes with each one. So it's important to maximize your impact at the event.

Below are a couple of strategies to use while attending your next job fair and to help maximize your impact:

Preparation

• Who will be attending?  Many job fairs will provide a list of companies attending in advance and often online. 
• Research the companies you are interested in prior to the job fair, as advanced planning and preparation are important keys to your success. 
• Identify your strengths and be able to speak to them.
• Make sure to bring an adequate supply of resumes.

At the Job Fair

• Dress in interview appropriate attire.
• Do a walkthrough of the venue once you arrive.
• When approaching a potential employer, smile, shake hands, and introduce yourself.
• Give a copy of your resume to the recruiter/representative at the table/booth.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company.  Ask questions.
• Discuss your strengths and what it is you are looking for in your next career.
• Be prepared to answer questions asked by the recruiter/representative.

After the Job Fair

• Make sure to pick up business cards from the table/booths you visited.
• Write a personalized thank-you note within a couple of days to companies you spoke with and make sure to cite something specific from your discussion. 
• Follow-up your thank-you note with a phone call to make sure the company received your application materials if you don’t hear from them within two weeks of the Job Fair.
• Treat the Job Fair as an initial contact and continue to research the companies that interest you.
• Keep accurate records of your contacts, including dates of your letters/emails or phone calls, and copies of all application materials.

Final Tip

• Continue learning as much as you can about what employers/companies are looking for in the people they hire.

Goodluck!

Laura

With the temperatures rising and sun shining, it’s time to ditch those layers and break out that summer wardrobe.  While the summer provides us endless opportunities in the attire realm, it is sometimes difficult to gage what belongs in the workplace as opposed to what to wear on the weekend.  Check out below to see what not to wear this season to work.

Shorts - This fashion statement is almost always a no-no in professional workplace. But if you work in an environment that does allow for shorts, make sure they are an appropriate length.

Tank tops and spaghetti straps - If you are going to wear these to the office make sure you cover up with a light sweater or jacket; otherwise these items worn alone are not suitable for the workplace.

Flip flops - Leave these for the beach, pool or running around town.  Flip flops are too casual for the workplace.  Instead, a low-heeled or semi-casual sandal is a good replacement to our favorite summer footwear and office appropriate.

Beachwear - It is never a good idea to wear those bikini tops, bare midriffs, or jean cut-offs at the office. Beachwear, plain and simple is not for the office.

Message T-shirts - Check with your company/office culture first before diving in and rocking your favorite tee. While in some office cultures this is acceptable, for many work environments wearing a message tee just would not be fine.  Instead, try wearing a plain or pattern t-shirt and get creative with your accessories, to add individuality and style.

Anything see-through or transparent - If undergarments are clearly visible then it shouldn't be worn to the office. This season, white has become the standout summer trend, so look in the mirror and in different light, just to make sure it is not see-through.  

Overall, as a good rule of thumb clothes should always be clean and pressed.  If you are still trying to navigate the world of summer office attire, try dresses and skirts (appropriate lengths), tasteful sandals, open-toe heels or wedges, short sleeve shirts (not too sheer) and light airy pants. 

Laura

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” – M. Monroe

My name is Laura and this is me to a tee.  In the right shoes, I can pretty much do anything.  Now I know many of you would say that all women feel this strongly about footwear.  But how many can say that when you show up to the office in a pair of ordinary plain black flats, your co-workers ask “what’s wrong?”   

A quick backstory on who I am…I was born and raised in Southern California in the city of Pasadena.  After graduating high school I went on to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder to study Business and Marketing, where I earned my Bachelors in Business Administration and Marketing.  From there I moved across the country to Jacksonville and started working here at Incepture with the Marketing and Communications team. 

It is with my affinity for footwear I welcome you to experience our company through my world, merging my passion for marketing and communications, love for my community and excitement for events with my obsession for shoes. 

Signing off in spiked, sequined, gunmetal colored loafers,

Laura 

Follow me @lauraetuck