Job Vacancies And Jobs Search In Malaysia : Allyhunt

Allyhunt has the pleasure of participating in UPM Career Carnival recently. It was one of the few occasions that we set up a booth to conduct recruitment drive. We always enjoy such an opportunity because we got to get out of the office, take some “fresh air” and get engaged with job seekers face-to-face. The recruitment drive at UPM was very successful. We received warm response to the envy of other exhibitors – some of them had politely commented that our booth seemed to be filled with visitors all the time. Naturally, such remarks boost our ego but did we get everything right? As I researched on what makes a successful career fair for an employer, I discovered that we did get a few things right but still a long way to being the “perfect exhibitor”.

As for job seekers, there are also tips available for you to ensure your visit is not another ‘window shopping” nothing better to do kind of date but an opportunity of a lifetime - a dream job offer!

Tips for employers

1. Be friendly

The booth set-up is not the key but the people that manned the booth are. In a university/college career fair, most job seekers are in their final year. They may feel intimidated and nervous about having a conversation with a stranger. As an employer, you take the cue. Don’t sit behind the counter and wait for visitors to approach you. Stand and take the initiative to approach the visitor instead by breaking the ice. Ask questions to make the visitor feel relax and comfortable. Ask questions such as, “How can we help you?”, “What specialization are you in?”, “Would you like me to share with you more about the company and the job opportunities with us?” A smile and a friendly hand-shake can create wonders!

2. Knowledge of the company

Job seekers opinion of your organization will be based on their interaction with you more than anything else. Therefore, do not hire part-time personnel that do not have any understanding about the company at all. If manpower is an issue, train the part-timers as much as possible so that they will not appear dumb when being queried.

3. Clear exhibits

If employers cannot afford to have all your key personnel to be stationed at the booth, then your visual message has to be clear – the exhibits, color and message being put up represent the company image. In any case, there must be at least one personnel around. Otherwise, the “absence” indicates you don’t care.

4. Short and simple demonstration

If you are doing a demonstration, make sure the power point, projector and other devices are working fine. Keep the demo short and sweet.

5. Arrive early to set up the booth

The serious job seekers are the ones that would be queuing at the door waiting for the fair to be opened. You would not want to miss these motivated bunch of job seekers. Besides, it is not a very pleasant sight for visitors to witness you scuffling with your brochures and getting your PCs on ready mode as they pass by.

Tips for job seekers

1. First impression is crucial

You probably have 5 to 10 minutes at each booth. Dress properly – no slippers and shorts. Greet with a firm handshake and ask relevant questions – for example, “What kind of specific skills are you looking for in this job?” or “What would be an ideal candidate for this job?”

2. This is not a Home/Property Fair

Most visitors attend a career fair in a group and they cram to the same booth together at the same time. You will not stand out that way. Take the initiative to be independent and appear confident as you approach the recruiter on your own.

3. Bring along your CV as well as a diary

Should you be short listed for an interview at their office, you can quickly note down the appointment in your diary. Such readiness indicates to the recruiter that you are serious and well-prepared.

4. Do not be too concerned with perks and benefits

Though this may be the top of your list in looking for your next job, don’t try to ask these type of questions at the career fair. Your focus should be on the prospective job itself.

5. This is not the time to show off

Do not boast to the extent that you overstate your abilities. It’s a big turn off! And if you are not keen on the job, do not waste the recruiter’s time!

The Allyhunt team will be participating in another career fair from the 9th to 11th May 2008 at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre. We hope to meet you there!