This is probably one of my favorite quotes and for many different reasons, it compels people to realize that one person and one person alone controls their own destiny.   Over time we have learned it’s easier to assigned blame or doubt then to take ownership for a situation-and CHANGE it.  We have learned to accept the bum rap rather than rise above a particular situation and face it head on.  How many times have you heard the following?   I can’t get a job because there just aren’t any jobs out there; I’m going to give up. Folks there are jobs; you just have to work for them. Chances are when you enter your resume into a race for a particular position you are one of literally hundreds.

Over the weekend a friend of mine shared he applied for a job and he was one of 1200 applicants, only 12 job seekers were called for an interview 1 final candidate was hired. He was that one person that got hired. To him that job was the difference between helping take care of his family or not taking care of his family. To him be needed that job and needed to make sure he not only got to the interview but left an impression on that recruiter. He did just that, he didn’t give up and gave it his all.   When I think of this man I am reminded of that quote by Ghandi, it would probably have been easier to live on unemployment because it’s simply too hard to get a job OR he could be the change he wanted to see and work hard to get what he needed for his family.

People don’t give up, work harder than ever. Take a hard look at your resume, is it as good as it could be?  What story does it tell?  Here’s what your resume should say about you:

1.    What you have done for other companies that can be viewed as a success.

2.    What you would like to do in the future to continue to be a success.

3.    What skills you have to contribute to a future company.

Make sure your resume reads so that a recruiter can understand it…..the key is don’t make it to technical. Remember recruiters recruit for many types of positions.  When you submit your resume make sure it’s the best one that recruiter will ever see. It’s your job to ensure that you paint the best picture of who you are, no one else can do that for you. Be the change you what to see in yourself and don’t give up.  You can find that job and I would bet it’s waiting for you, because after all you’re the best candidate. Grab hold of your destiny and be the change you wish to see in the job market.

Our job fair series banner week is NEXT week, and it just for you the older worker! Visit WiserWorker.com for an event in your city. Are you ready for the job fair series?    My hope is that we can help you get ready so when you get to the job fair you are ready to get hired!  If you need more information drop me an email or call me (813) 775-6279.  I would love to hear from you!

Annually The Employment Guide holds hundreds of job fairs and our most common issue at job fairs is job seekers not knowing what to wear to a job fair.  Usually before we hold an event it is not uncommon to get many calls from job seekers asking that “what should I wear”?  I always answer the question the same: Dress like you would if you were going to an interview.  Because you are, job fairs are a place where you can and will talk to possible future employers in an interview setting.

Let’s face it—first impressions stick. Studies conclude that people form an impression of someone within the first 15-30 seconds. Given this time frame, your outward appearance makes up a majority of a potential employer’s first impression. Follow these simple rules to ensure you are dressing the part.

Standard Interview Dress: Men

Wear slacks

Wear a dress shirt or nice colored shirt

Wear dark dress shoes in good condition

Wear socks that match

Wear a belt that matches your shoes

Have well-groomed hair and nails

Standard Interview Dress: Women

Dress conservatively (preferably dark colors)

Wear a pantsuit, jacket and skirt, dress

Wear dark dress shoes with 1-3 inch heel in good condition

Wear hosiery that matches your outfit  

Have well-groomed hair and nails

As with a job interview, first impressions at a job fair are important. How you represent yourself sends an immediate message to employers about how serious you are in your job search. It isn’t always necessary to wear a suit to a job fair. However, you should leave the jeans and T-shirt at home. Business casual is usually the most appropriate — slacks and a collared shirt for men, and slacks or a skirt and a blouse for women. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed.

Check WiserWorker.com blog for the latest tips on how to get the best experience at a job fair.

Best of Luck!