My First "Women for Hire" Career Fair Experience

April 2006 was the first time I attended a "Women for Hire" Career Fair. I had been job searching for about 4 months submitting dozens of resumes on-line, completing several interviews but to no avail I was still unemployed. I saw an ad for the “Women for Hire" Career Fair in the Houston Chronicle so I decided why not attend even though I dread career fairs. I attended the breakfast and workshop sessions and thoroughly enjoyed the speakers. It was emphasized in the sessions to learn the power of networking and to go to events alone without a friend because it forces you to step outside your comfort zone to meet new people. It was time for me to step "Outside the Box” and make my presence known if I wanted to have a career instead of just another job.

The one major thing I remember about The Career Fair is the idea of Core Competencies Based Resumes. When I first heard Tory Johnson mention this type of resume it went over my head and I thought maybe I should look into it. I walked into the career fair and stopped at the resume critique center. The first thing said to me about my resume was, "it's great you have some formal education and experience but what makes you stand out from the rest". The critiquer went on to further say, "What are your core competencies?" Again, I was oblivious to what this meant but this time I was handed an explanation of Core Competencies and a sample resume of its kind. Here’s a resume example. I left the career fair with valuable information that would in the end lead me to a permanent position of my choice.

I briefly mentioned earlier that it was after 4 months of job searching that I attended the career fair. It would become a full year of unemployment before I found the type of position I was looking for to further advance in my career. I had no elevator speech prepared about myself just in case I was met with an opportunity nor did I understand how much my resume was lacking the it factor it needed to stand out. This was a lesson in assertiveness for me I struggled in interviews and several career coaches guided me in putting together my career package in image, skills assessment and maintaining poise and confidence throughout an interview. There are subtle things about interviewing I did not know such as in most cases women should wear blouses, dress jackets and skirts not pant suits. Depending on the region you are in a pants suit may seem unprofessional for women to wear. Hindsight is always twenty twenty, I recalled my former female interviewers and most if not all of them never wore pants the day of the interview.

I am currently employed and it’s a beautiful accomplishment after a year of struggles and countless rejections. When I was interviewed for my current position I was told my resume was great and definitely aligned with what they were looking for. The Core Competency based resume certainly paid off and by accepting a little criticism I am a much better resume writer and interviewer.

Thanks to “The Women for Hire Career Fair” staff, interviewers and every career coach who helped me throughout the journey to my current position. If there is anyone out there still searching for employment don't give up and please don't be afraid to ask someone for help.