LAND THE RIGHT JOB

Written by Shirin Khamisa, Founder, Careers by Design

Job Fair in Toronto? 5 Tips to Find the Job You Really, Really Want!

You see the announcement: “Job Fair Toronto.”

Perhaps you already have a job, but you’re looking for something new.

Or maybe you’ve been out of the job market for a few years to care for children or to go back to school.

Regardless of your situation, you may have mixed feelings about attending a job fair in Toronto. It’s natural to feel excited about potential opportunities, yet be unsure about how to get the most out of it.

Most people try to visit all the booths and talk to as many people as possible before they leave. It’s unlikely that this untargeted approach will help you find a fulfilling job.

Here’s how to enjoy and get results at the next Toronto job fair you visit…

1. Know what stage you are at in the job search process

Some people will use a job fair Toronto hosts to go “window shopping” for potential jobs. Often times, this is because they aren’t clear about the kind of job that they want. If this is your situation, then you are still in the exploration phase. This means that you will have different goals for attending the job fair and that’s okay. Use this job fair to learn more about what’s out there, rather than putting pressure on yourself to snag your dream job.

2. Have a job target and develop the courage to go for it!

Before attending a job fair Toronto is hosting, take a little time to examine your professional goals. This will help you figure out which jobs will be a stepping stone to success. Be honest with yourself and have the courage to go for what you want. Many people fall into the trap of thinking that they can’t be too picky. They end up in jobs that rob them of joy. Don’t waste your time applying for jobs that don’t provide opportunities to work towards your long-term goals, unless you are facing a financial crisis.

3. Don’t get hung up on labels!

If you are clear about the type of job you are seeking, don’t get hung up on job titles. Even within the same industry, different companies use various titles to describe a similar role. Beware, some companies tend to use the words “manager” or “director” more freely than others. Don’t assume a fancy title pays more or gives you more responsibility.Understanding the type of role you want will be a powerful way to sort through all the options available.

4. Let your curiosity guide you…

Review the list or organizations attending the job fair in Toronto and spend your time at the ones that interest you. It sounds obvious but often people are so focused on getting a job that they don’t think about the type of company they really want to work for.Learning as much as you can about the companies that will be there, will help you figure out if the company will be a good fit for you.Take the time to look at each company’s website to understand what they do, what they value and what they are trying to achieve.

5. Don’t Just Pass Out Business Cards!

Having a few questions ready for potential employers will give you a reason to get better acquainted.Knowing about an organization will also help you dig deeper in the conversation, show your interest in the company and learn more. This will help you make a genuine and memorable connection. You’ll stand out from the crowd because most people don’t bother doing this.

Ready, set, go ….

When you’re at the job fair Toronto is hosting, remember that it’s ok to be a little nervous. Making genuine connections with others will make the process more fun and you’ll get better results. Expanding your network is an effective way of finding a job that will allow you to reach your full potential as a professional.

Now, it’s time to put these steps into practice, so you can make an interesting and rewarding job part of your reality.

Need some help with your career? We’re here for you!