Inaugural Career Fair set for Dec. 10 at fairgrounds

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports as of September 2014, the Indiana unemployment rate was 5.7 percent. In relation to Putnam County, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reports 907 (5.2 percent) of residents in our county are unemployed.

People are classified as unemployed if they do not have a job, have actively looked for work in the prior four weeks, and are currently available for work (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014).

Much research has shown that unemployment rates affect almost every area of a community. So in efforts of meeting the needs of our community and making Putnam County the best county, Purdue Extension Putnam County will host its inaugural Career Fair.

The career fair will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

In collaboration with several organizations throughout the geographical region, the career fair will provide on-site interviews, job training handouts and more.

In order to prepare candidates for the career fair, this article provides insight gathered from several human resource personnel on ways to get the most out of a career fair.

Before:

1. Create a strong resume: Emphasize on your skills and accomplishments. Your resume should be error-free, concise and graphically pleasing. Don't forget to make several copies.

2. Develop a 30-second commercial: You are very likely to hear "Tell me a little about yourself." To be prepared spend time beforehand figuring out your response. Think of your reply as a 30-second, self-promotional commercial you'll deliver to each employer who asks.

During:

1. Introduce yourself and shake hands: While employers are almost always friendly and outgoing, they'll expect the same of you.

2. Dress appropriately: You will want to dress professionally to attend a career fair. Sometimes business casual is fine, however it is important to not go too casual.

3. Focus on what you can offer: You will be a pleasant change to most company representatives if you tell them things you can do for their organizations instead of asking what they can do for you.

4. Leave your resume and card with each representative: It is important to grab each representative's card.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events.

It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming events:

Nov. 27-28 -- Purdue Extension Office closed for holiday.

Dec. 10 -- Putnam County Career Fair, 10 a.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Jan. 15 -- Enrollment deadline for 2015 County/State Fair 4-H exhibit eligibility.