MONTVALE, N.J.—The Montvale Chamber of Commerce along with the Montvale Economic Development and Retention Committee are holding their first job fair, Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Approximately 20 local companies will be actively recruiting for open positions.
According to Sal Rozzi, one of the organizers, industry leaders will be out in force from the likes of KPMG, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Wegmans, and Sharp.
The fair is being held at the Montvale Community Center on Memorial Drive.
With competition keen for many positions, job seekers attending the Montvale Job Fair will want to have strategies for making the best impression on recruiters.
Resume writer and job search coach Kari Solomon, owner of Aspire Resumes, has the following tips for attendees to get the most out of a job fair:
• Develop an elevator pitch, a brief statement that gets the recruiter’s attention and tells them a little bit about what you do and why they should hire you. A good elevator pitch includes the type of work you want to do, any specialties you may have and what sets you apart from others.
• Research the companies. Prior to attending, obtain a list of the companies that are recruiting at the job fair. Identify the positions they are trying to fill by visiting the company career sites. Learn about what kind of culture they have and what they look for in employees.
• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. In addition to making sure your resume is free of errors and includes your latest experience, target your resume to the type of positions you are looking for. Bring enough copies to hand out to all recruiters. Some recruiters may want to connect with you on LinkedIn rather than taking a resume. Update your profile so it parallels the experience on your resume.
• Dress for success. For most job fairs professional attire is the norm. Sharp business casual is often acceptable. If you are not sure which is the best way to go, err on the side of being more professional, rather than more casual.
• Practice good etiquette and body language. A firm handshake, engaging eye contact and active listening go a long way to impressing recruiters. When speaking, keep your message positive and focused on why they should hire you.
Connecting qualified talent to top companies in the area is the objective of the Montvale Job Fair. Steven Fox, co-president of the Montvale Chamber of Commerce, is excited to bring local businesses together with the community.
“We are glad to be able to help local residents find out more about the jobs that are available from the very diverse business community we have in Montvale,” Fox told Pascack Press on Oct. 7.
For more information and a complete list of participating companies, job seekers can go to the Montvale Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and click on Events.
Montvale Chamber of Commerce seeks to promote and improve the business and public environment, stimulate a vibrant local economy, and produce a cooperative effort to enhance the overall quality of life in Montvale.
The Montvale Economic Development and Retention Committee aims to grow, retain and fulfill the needs of Montvale’s corporate tenants, while maintaining the integrity and character of the residential community.