The Kearney Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Hiring Fair is coming up at the end of the month, and the Chamber is expecting it to be well attended. With just a few weeks left before the Hiring Fair, now is the time for job seekers to be looking over their resumes and brushing up on interview skills. Here are a few tips for success at hiring events:

Have a goal. This is a hiring fair, not a trade show. Make your goal to find your next job or career, not to pick up as much swag as you can. Companies attend the hiring fair to find employees. Be sure to network with these businesses and show them you are the person they want to hire.
Resumes. Make sure your resume is up to date and looks professional. Proofread your resume, then have other people proofread it. Look carefully for spelling and grammar errors. Print your resume on quality paper to help it stand out.
Take the Event Seriously. A hiring fair is like an interview, only with several potential employers. Employers will meet several individuals during the event so make sure you stand out. Dress well, practice your best handshake, award-winning smile and make eye contact!
Interviewing. Interviewing can be intimidating! Just remember to be confident; you are talking about the one thing you know best – yourself! Prepare answers to interview questions just as you would any other employment interview. The most common question you may face is something like, “what are you here for today?” If you do a little research on the company, you can tailor your answer to show your interest in the company while marketing yourself.
Ask Questions. The hiring fair experience gives you a chance to interview local businesses too. You can ask questions about the business environment, corporate policies, and day-to-day expectations. If you are genuinely interested, let them know. “I’m excited about the possibilities your company offers, and I think I have the skills you’re looking for…What do I need to do to arrange a second interview?”
Attire. Know what the expected attire of your profession is and dress accordingly. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Employers will make concessions for first time job seekers, but jeans and t-shirts are a no-no for any position.
Follow-Up. Some of our hiring fair participants will be interviewing and making offers at the event. If you don’t get an offer, then follow up with the company. Be sure you take a business card from the interviewer and send a thank you email or letter the next day. Remember to thank the recruiter for their time, restate your interest and qualifications for the position and reiterate your interest in a second interview. Also include your resume with follow-up communication.

The second annual Hiring Fair has moved and will now be held at the Kearney United Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 30. It’s open to all area companies and individuals from 2:30 – 6 pm and professionals of all levels are highly encouraged to attend and participate.

This hiring fair is a great resource for students and adults to connect with employers who are actively seeking quality people looking for employment. Representatives from these companies will be actively recruiting at the event with others signing up every week: Academy Bank, EMERY SAPP & SONS, Tracy Tucker State Farm Insurance, Ply Gem, a division of Cornerstone Building Brands, Paint4U, LLC, Liberty Hospital, Dairy Queen, Garage Force of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City Cannabis Co., Midwest Coating Solutions, McDonald’s, Pizza Shoppe, Mr. Dells Foods, LLC, Cameron Ambulance District, Isotech Inc./KCCoyote Inc., Oak Pointe of Kearney, Aflac.

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 816-628-4229 or by email at Stacie@KearneyChamber.org.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story