The Visible Job Market

The visible job market is where positions are posted for everyone to see. Since they are visible, competition for these positions is high which reduces the chances that your resume will get noticed. Since this is the case, we recommend that you do not rely on these resources to find your next job but use them in addition to networking. The key is to use the visible job market to find the leads and then to you use your network to actually apply.

Job Boards

Most companies post their job announcements online. The most common places to find job postings are on company websites, job boards, and social media. You can use any combination of these to target positions and find potential openings.

Click on the image below to view the NOVAworks Job Connector.

Here is a list of a few additional job boards.

Agencies / Recruiters (Headhunters)

Another strategy for finding employment is to register with temporary agencies or local recruiting firms.

Remember that agencies, recruiters and headhunters work for companies, not for job seekers. That is, if you happen to match a profile, which the hiring company is seeking, you will be contacted. The majority of your job search remains yours.
Work to build rapport with a recruiter. The more they get to know you, the better they can sell your skills and qualifications to an employer.
Recruiters / headhunters can provide information on the status of an industry, company information, hiring manager expectations and ways to present your skills and experience to meet the needs of employers.
Do not give a recruiter permission to blast your resume to employers.
Do not pay an agency, recruiter, or headhunter. All fees should be paid for by the employer and should not impact your salary.
Here is a list of local temporary agencies

Job Fairs

Job fairs provide you with an opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer, learn about job openings, and practice your networking skills. Preparation ahead of time is key to a successful job fair experience.

Before the Job Fair:

Review the list of companies attending the fair. Research their values, job openings and recent news to help tailor your approach and questions for recruiters. Visit company websites.
Update your Resume tailored to the jobs you’re interested in, highlighting relevant skills and experience. Bring multiple copies of your resume.
Keep a copy of your resume on your phone. In most job fairs today, you’ll need to scan a QR code and upload your resume from there. Make sure your resume is easy to access.
Prepare your Summary Statement (Elevator Pitch). Develop a brief introduction to yourself (background, key skills, and what you seek in a job) and practice so you can deliver it with confidence.
Dress professionally. First impressions count. Dress for an interview.
Prioritize the companies you want to visit first.

During the Job Fair:

Arrive Early for a chance to talk with recruiters before the crowds arrive.
Be Confident and Positive: Offer a smile and firm handshake to leave a lasting impression.
Network with other job seekers as well as recruiters. You may gain valuable new contacts and learn about potential opportunities.
Ask Insightful Questions: for example, about company culture, growth opportunities, and the challenges in the jobs you’re interested in.
Take Notes: note key points from the conversation, the recruiter’s name, and any follow up actions, to help personalize your follow-up communications. Ask for the recruiter’s business card. Ask recruiters for their business card so that you can follow up.

After the Job Fair:

Follow Up: send a personalized thank you email to recruiters you spoke with. Remind them who you are by mentioning something specific from the conversation.
Connect on LinkedIn: if appropriate, send a connection request, including a message referencing your conversation at the job fair.
Reflect and Improve: consider what went well and what you could improve for future events.
Apply Online: even if you gave your resume to the recruiter, apply online if they asked you to do so. This may be required to process your job application.
Stay Organized: Track the companies you interacted with, roles discussed, and any required follow-up actions. Being organized will help you manage multiple opportunities.

Following these tips can help you maximize your opportunities and make a strong impression at a job fair.