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Job fairs are not what they used to be.
In case you have not had the privilege of attending one recently, here is a little guide to the new world of job fairs:
1. It is now acceptable to not shower before attending a job fair.
2. Good news! Bare midriffs are no longer taboo! Just make sure to wear your blingest belly button ring.
3. Double points if you show muffin top while sporting a midriff baring shirt and belly ring.
4. Baseball caps, spaghetti straps, and cargo shorts are all totally acceptable interview attire.
5. Can't find a babysitter? No problem! Bring the little one along. Nothing says 'dependable' like someone who can't find childcare for a 3-hour job fair.
I have never seen anything like it in my life. Over 2/3 of the companies advertised didn't even show up. There were a grand total of 7 'companies' represented - two of them were military recruiters, two were universities trolling for students, Pampered Chef advertising 'own your own business' crap, one staffing agency and one actual honest-to-goodness company.
I stood in line for 45 minutes to sign my name and check a box that said I pre-registered online. Um, hello? What was the point of registering then?
Then I stood in line another 45 minutes to talk to the one company actual company with a booth. All for this:
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Recruiter: You have a good resume here. You would qualify for job #343. You can apply for it online.
Me: I've been watching your website for a few months. What is the title for job #343?
Recruiter: Contract specialist. Just watch for it online and then apply.
Me: I've done that half a dozen times in the last three months. Any suggestions for actually getting an interview?
Recruiter: Not really. Just apply online.
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Seriously?
8 comments:
There's no point to career fairs anymore. All the recruiters do is look at your resume and say, "apply online."
I am all about technology but it has ruined all personal attention that was once expected in the job hunting process.
I can't tell you how many times the online peeps have said, "we wish you luck but this isn't the position for you..." while I am getting emails from the actual HR company trying to arrange an interview with me. It's ridiculous!
Oh.my.gawd! At least you know how to dress next time. Heeheehee
Really, I'm sorry that the experience was such a disaster. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you don't make another month-aversary before you get a new job!
Oh man. When I was unemployed for about 6 months I went to a couple of job fairs. It was rough, there was triple the people and hardly anyone ACTUALLY hiring!
I know the government is doing a lot of hiring right now. Check out usajobs.com
Oh wow - that's a real bummer! :(
Oh my! How frustrating. I feel your pain and I hope you find something legitimate soon!
When I was looking for a job last year Husband would get upset with me because I wasn't going out to distribute my resume. {He didn't think I was trying} The only way to apply any where any more is on-line which really hurts that good first impression! But I guess if you only get that type of 'klass' at a job fair I can understand why businesses wouldn't bother going.
Good luck! Some amazing opportunity will turn up soon!
Stopping by from SITS. Sorry to hear about your umemployment. I wish you luck.
job fairs and job searching is so frustrating. i wish you all the luck in the world for your search.
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