Before you arrive

Key considerations

Ask yourself if you have the skills needed to secure the job you wish to obtain.
Find out more about the situation in the job market. You may discover that the demand for manpower in your field or profession is very high in certain regions.
Revise your CV; make sure to emphasize your studies, work experience and skills and describe your skills clearly.
Tell people you know about your job search. The more people who know that you are looking for a job, the greater your chances of obtaining information that could lead to employment.
Ask yourself if you are devoting enough time to your job search: it should keep you busy on a full-time basis (unless you already hold a job).

With exhibitors-employers, do as you would in business interviews and be prepared to meet key people.

Make sure that you are dressed appropriately.
Plan on visiting the Salon for a minimum of three hours.
If applicable, make babysitting arrangements.
Expect to answer questions and prepare yourself accordingly. If you are well prepared, you will project a better image of yourself. Memorize your CV so that you can clearly describe your studies, work experience and skills. You will also be asked specific questions. Here are a few examples.
- Why did you leave your previous job?
  If you quit or were fired, avoid details that could hinder your efforts and do not criticize former employers. Explain what you expect out of a new job.
- Why are you interested in working for our company?
  Show that you have carefully selected this company and that you possess the right employment profile.
- What are your strengths?
  Mention your qualities as they relate to the position you are applying for.
- Why should we hire you rather than someone else?
  Talk about your skills and persuade the employer that you’re the person they’re looking for.
- What are your salary expectations?
  Avoid dealing with the issues of salary and working conditions at the first interview. If the employer raises the issue, however, make sure that you have an answer. You may respond as follows: “I know that the pay scale for this type of position ranges from … to …; naturally, I would like to be at the high end of this scale.”
  This answer is positive and leaves room for negotiation.

Prepare the things that you will need to bring to the Salon:

Your CV, a cover letter and letters of recommendation. Bring several copies or use the free photocopy service at the Salon.
A list of your references.
Some paper and a pencil to write down the names of the persons you meet, the date and hour of any upcoming interviews and any other relevant information.

Source: The information on this page has been adapted to our event and is taken from the Guide pratique de recherche d'emploi (Emploi-Québec), available at http://emploiquebec.net/Guide/en/accueil.htm