Dear candidates,

Congratulations!

You are about to meet professionals in search of your talent. The time has come for you to express your desire to embark on a rewarding career adventure.

However, as you can imagine, you’re not the only one trying to take advantage of this opportunity!

AffutJob has thought of you and offers some tips and tricks so that you can give the best possible impression.

Preliminary stage:

The company: Identify as much information about the company you are meeting (market, key figures, product / service, events).

Location: Identify the location of the event a day or two before. This will allow you to be more confident on the day of the fair.

        Resume/ business cards: Remember to bring a file in which you have the most copies of your updated resume and some business cards you can hand out.

        Dress code: Be simple. A suit with a bright colour shirt (white, beige, light blue…).

      Stress management: Control your emotions. Be Zen and assertive. Control your breathing. If sweating, wipe it off before meeting a representative.

During the fair :

First impression: It is decisive. Arrive with a sincere smile and be courteous to everyone you meet. Wait for the representative to give his hand and shake it with a firm grip.

       Communication: The way you communicate says a lot about you more than you can imagine. Keep your vocabulary simple, clear and precise. Talk calmly.

      Body language: Take a good posture and control your movements during your interviews. Keep in mind that the representative is watching you as much as he’s listening.

Questions :

Classics: You will most likely have to present yourself in 2-3 minutes. Focus on your career, your skills and your project. During the interview avoid negative remarks, especially on your private life; be positive and show how you pulled yourself out of bad situations.

Bounce back whenever you’re caught off guard. For example, if you’re not familiar with a certain technique, put forward your ability and willingness to learn, to grow… in short do not rely on your assets.

Traps: What do you expect from your boss? What do you dislike in your superior? Avoid negative comments and put forward the fact that you like to work with responsible, organized and competent people.

Strengths/ Weaknesses: Never speak on weaknesses that could be undermining (I’m narrow-minded, I don’t like authority...); your weaknesses must be about your strengths (I’m a perfectionist sometimes...) but remember to specify that you are in the process of improvement.

Negative comments: Avoid them as much as possible.

At the end of an interview :

Usually the employer will end the interview with a phrase like "Do you have any questions?" To show your responsiveness, it is important to have a question you've already prepared beforehand (e.g. news from the field in Africa).

Earning: This is the most delicate point, it is best to let the interviewer address the subject. If he asks about your salary expectations, it will have to fall into a credible range (inquire about it beforehand!).

Take the initiative to inquire about the various stages of recruitment. Ask when and how to re-contact the representative (phone or e-mail).

Keep smiling until the end of your meeting!