by Angela Copeland | Feb 17, 2014 | Career Fair, Networking, Newsletter
When was the last time you attended a career fair? Five years ago? Ten? Never? Chances are the last time you went to a fair, it was in college.
But, career fairs are not just something for college students anymore. They can be a great way to find an in person connection to a company you’ve been internet stalking for months. They’re also an alternative to submitting your resume to the online application process black hole.
Here are my top five tips to making the most of your next career fair experience:
- Bring your business cards & resumes – You never know who you might meet at a career fair. Bring plenty of business cards AND resumes. If you don’t have any and you’re short on time, lean on an office store like FedEx to you started.
- Bring your cell phone (and keep it on) – Although you should keep you phone turned down low or on vibrate, keep it on during a career fair. There’s a chance a recruiter may call and ask you to stop back by their booth to meet someone else, or to interview during the fair. Put your cell phone number on your resume. In fact, take off any phone number that’s not your cell during a career fair.
- Reach out to recruiters in advance – Many fairs allow you to submit your resume weeks or months before the fair. This can help you to connect with recruiters and begin to schedule interviews in advance. If you already have recruiters in your network, reach out to them to find out if they’ll be attending.
- Ask for on-site interviews – It’s a little known fact that many career fairs have private interview booths that are hidden away from the career fair floor. Recruiters often have lists of positions they’re hiring for, and a schedule of available interview times. Ask questions and find out if there’s anyway to get on their calendar during the fair.
- Follow up – When you get home from the career fair, send every recruiter you spoke with a thank you e-mail. Follow up with a LinkedIn connection request to make the most of your new networking contact. If at possible, take these steps on the same day you attend the fair.
Last, but not least, continue to perfect your elevator pitch. Practice introducing yourself. You want to shake hands, and make eye contact while introducing yourself. Explain what you do, and what you’re looking for. This simple and concise message will open to the door to further conversations about job opportunities.
Lucky for Tennesseans, there are multiple career fair options coming up in 2014 to practice these skills. First, the Multicultural Career Fair will be held in Memphis on April 13th at the Hilton. To learn more about this great event, check out my blog post about it. This will be an excellent opportunity for those in Memphis to work on their networking skills and professional development while searching for a new job.
I will also announce a national career fair on Thursday, so check back on my blog for all the details.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Feb 17, 2014 | Job Posting
ALSAC / St. Jude is seeking a Director of Volunteer Engagement.
They’re looking for a dynamic leader for the Volunteer Engagement team. As the Director – Volunteer Engagement, you will develop and manage the strategies for Volunteer Development programs on a national and regional level. You will oversee the engagement and fundraising strategies for multicultural, faith based organizations and young professionals groups. You will also manage national relationships with volunteer organizations and develops extensive analysis of volunteer programs’ short and long term goals. The Director manages 4 member Volunteer Engagement teams. Requires 6 years fundraising, marketing or sales experience including previous management experience.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the ALSAC website here.
by Angela Copeland | Feb 17, 2014 | Career Fair, Networking
Mark your calendars for a great event coming up on April 13th from NOON to 6 PM! ContigoCreative is sponsoring a multicultural job fair for Memphis at the Hilton Hotel.
It will feature a career fair, and guest speakers. It will be an opportunity for Memphians to network, work on professional development, and search for a new job.
I’m excited to be both a community endorser and speaker for the event.
To learn more, visit the Job Fair Memphis website here.
by Angela Copeland | Feb 16, 2014 | Job Posting
Zimmer is looking for a Customer Service Director.
Here’s more information from their website:
This position provides leadership to managers, supervisors and other team members of the Customer Care organization. Interaction with a comprehensive group of internal functional areas is paramount to providing the highest level of experience for the Zimmer customer base (both internal and external). The position ensures a relentless commitment to “Customer First” across our Order-To-Cash cycle and requires a hands-on, higher energy leadership style with a desire to pursue excellence and a strong knowledge of Lean principles within a transactional environment. Customer base includes US and International 3rd party as well international affiliates.
To learn more or to apply online, visit the Zimmer site here.
by Angela Copeland | Feb 15, 2014 | Job Posting
Accredo Health Group is searching for a Director of IT Business Systems.
Here’s a little more information from Accredo on the position:
The Director, Pharma Support & Data Services has proven their ability to manage a small team with specific responsibilities and is now able to expand their influence to a broader group and develop the tasks and initiatives which that group should complete. Their primary responsibilities include managing teams and people managers to achieve expected deliverables across Pharma reporting products and technology solutions. This person leads the development of short and long term strategies and partners with cross-functional IT and business partners to deliver reporting and technology solutions that meet client expectations, while optimizing the cost to business. This person will transform the strategies into prioritized initiatives for their teams and is able to respond to urgent issues in their specific function without losing focus on longer term deliverables.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Accredo site here.
by Angela Copeland | Feb 14, 2014 | Advice, Media
Happy Valentine’s Day!
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Putting Your <3 Into Your Job.” In it, I discuss finding a job that aligns to your personal goals, and allows you to be happy each day when you go to work. Given how much time we all spend working, it’s important to do something you love.
The season of love is upon us. Is it fair to say you love what you’re doing for a living? Do you find yourself putting in your all every day, or is it a drag to get up in the morning – or worse yet, to go to bed the night before, knowing your next day’s work is looming over you?
If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing for a living, it’s time to take stock of what’s important to you. Start out by ranking the following items in order from least to most important: Location, Career Fulfillment, Financial Stability and Career Field.
To read the entire article, visit the Memphis Daily News site here.
by Angela Copeland | Feb 14, 2014 | Job Posting
Archer Malmo is searching for a PR Account Executive / Senior Account Executive.
Here’s a little information from their site:
We’re looking for an energetic PR pro who understands how to tell a compelling story to consumers via the news media and get outstanding results for clients. You’ll join a dynamic PR department, and be charged with implementing the day-to-day activities on one of our agency’s largest national accounts.
To learn more, visit the Archer Malmo website here. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to hr@archermalmo.com.
by Angela Copeland | Feb 14, 2014 | Networking
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, MULP is hosting a panel discussion entitled “Heart of the City” on Thursday, February 20th.
Panelists will share why they love Memphis and how they stay involved in this cultural city! All meetings are open to Members & Non-Members. If you’re unable to attend the February Meeting, feel free to join us for an extended “Happy Hour” and appetizers at BlueFin from 8:00pm-10:00pm, 135 South Main Street.
To learn more about this event, visit the MULP Facebook invitation here.
by Angela Copeland | Feb 13, 2014 | Job Posting
Kellogg’s is looking for a Process Optimization Manager in Memphis.
Here’s more about the role from Kellogg’s:
- Acting as the Process Control/Capability subject-matter expert, providing technical and process expertise that drives operational performance and improves product quality through minimizing process variation
- Executing projects to deliver results and build capabilities within facilities, including but not limited to Six Sigma tools such as Statistical Process Control, fishbone diagrams, and Design of Experiments (DOE) through training, active problem solving and on-the-floor interaction with supervisors and operators
- Developing short- and long-term process capability improvement plans aligned with business objectives
- Collaboratively implementing technology improvements, including modification of process(es), procedures and/or engineering improvement solutions that enhance process capability
- Developing and improving the Process Optimization function by sharing best practices and projects with regional peers, global peers and corporate resources
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Kellogg’s job site here.
by Angela Copeland | Feb 13, 2014 | Networking
Delta Axis is hosting a Delta Does Memphis event on Sunday, February 23rd.
Here’s more information from ArtsMemphis:
ArtsMemphis presents a spicy spin on contemporary art by a diverse group of artists. From the personal art collection of Delta Axis president Dr. James Patterson, these pieces feature compelling work by noted artists from around the U.S., including local talent. If you are a passionate patron of the arts, don’t miss this tantalizing take on contemporary art.
To learn more and to RSVP online, click here.
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