Blog Post: What Type of Job Seeker Are YOU?

As posted by Kimberly Keller, Kimco Staffing, Los Angeles:

As a Recruiter I have been attending job fairs and talking to job seekers for over 11 years.  I have talked to thousands and thousands of candidates throughout the years and here are a few of the types of job seekers I have come across…

SUPER PREPARED JOB SEEKER – This is the professionally dressed candidate that brings plenty of resumes, asks great questions, knows their skill level, knows exactly what they are looking for, they are realistic and they have researched companies on the web prior to attending the job fair.  This candidate gets some great leads on job opportunities from attending this job fair.

JUST ROLLED OUT OF BED & MY MOM MADE ME COME – Typically doesn’t know what the employer they are talking to does… but would like to know more. Ill prepared to ask the right questions. They look like they got ready in a hurry. They may or may not have a resume prepared because they just found out about the event.  This candidate hopes to GET LUCKY… get a job… and get mom off their back. Sometimes you need more than luck.

EAGER TO GET TO WORK COLLEGE GRAD – It cost a lot to get that college degree and since it cost so much, often times the College Grad thinks they should earn a lot more than what companies want to offer candidates who are fresh out of college.  College grads ask great questions, have done their homework on websites to learn about employers, typically dress professional and have lots to offer employers.  The realistic College grad with internship experience, realistic ideas regarding pay and recent work experience can do well at job fairs.  This is a great networking opportunity! 

WELL READ JOB SEEKER – The well read job seeker is typically dressed professionally, knows all about what your company does, has applied on-line, has read every interviewing book out there and ask lots and lots of questions that probably would be better suited for the actual interview and not the job fair.  This job seeker has good intentions, but just needs to figure out how to be themselves and learn how to ask key questions at a busy job fair.

HIGHLY SKILLED JOB SEEKER – Typically the highly qualified job seeker is dressed professional, is very confident, knows exactly what they are looking for and knows fairly quickly when talking to an employer at the job fair if that company will have something suited for their skills and experience.  They are proactive job seekers looking for the right financial and professional fit.

DISPLACED JOB SEEKER –They dress professional… it has just been a long time since they have had to look for work.  It may be their first time at a job fair, has worked for the same company for years, re-entering the workplace, trying to figure out what type of company to talk to, or just trying to figure out this job fair thing.  Job fairs are a great place to get reacquainted with employers…but it is important to learn more about the employers you will be talking to before you attend the job fair. You and the employer will get more out of your visit if you come prepared.

FIRST TIME JOB SEEKER – Some dress professional and some are very casual and they may or may not have a resume with them.  They’re not really sure what they are looking for yet.  Just checking out this whole job fair thing to see what it’s all about.  To make sure the first time is worth it…do your homework. Learn how to put a resume together, if you lack work experience… include school accomplishments, volunteering, computer skills etc., and attend a job fair with employers that are looking for entry-level employees.  This will help the first time job seeker find that great first job.

READY FOR A PARTY JOB SEEKER – Thinks they are dressed for a job fair but really better suited for a night out on the town.  Has a resume but not really focused on exactly what it is they are looking for.  Doesn’t get lucky at the job fair either.

What type of job seeker are you?  It takes a lot of time, energy and effort to get the job you want.  Make sure you learn how to be the job seeker you need to be to make the lasting impression on employers and to get to the career of your dreams.