by Parnassah Expo. Today’s economy is experiencing a major downturn and companies are downsizing rather than hiring. The main focus and goal of this year’s Parnassah Expo, therefore, is to enable business owners to network with others for ideas and opportunities, expand their companies and, thereby, create more jobs for Klal Yisroel. 

Nevertheless, Hashem opens doors of opportunities in many ways. This brochure was designed to help those who came to the Parnassah Expo in the hope of finding employment. 

Preparing to enter the Expo Hall:

• bring a few copies of an updated resume.
• you only make a first impression once so come prepared by dressing appropriately, formally and crisp-looking.
• bring an upbeat rather than a demoralized attitude. Your prospective employer does not know what you are going through. He judges how you will fit into his company only by how you come across to him.
• come prepared to talk to people. You may not walk away from the Expo with a job but the more people who were impressed with you and what you can do, the more opportunities you have opened up for yourself when they look to hire in the future.
• plan to talk to people who are also looking for a job. You may end up starting a business with them.
• realize that searching for a job, especially in today’s business climate is a process. Each step you take brings you closer.
• picture yourself as the employer and how you would like to be approached by perspective job seekers.
• no employer will just hand you a job. An employer will have to be believe in you and you will need to earn that belief.     

Once you enter the Expo Hall: You are ready to begin your job search. There will be signs and Ushers directing you to the area especially designated for career development. There you will find several businesses looking to hire, as well as several organizations and companies that are there to represent additional hiring businesses that could not make it to the Expo.
In addition there is a Job Pavilion where you will network and possibly find attendees that are looking to hire as well or who may know someone that is looking to hire.

There are multiple professionals that will be offering guidance and seminars to help you advance in your job search. There are also multiple education opportunities to help you advance in your career path as well.

You also need to keep in mind that every exhibitor throughout the Expo has the potential of being your next employer and you should take the time to walk the floor and search for businesses that may be hiring as well. 

Entering the main exhibition hall: keeping in mind the following thoughts, suggestions and pointers may help lead you to your next employment even with companies not presently looking to hire:

• check out the businesses in the pamphlet or go around the hall and zero on the businesses that appeal and are most suited to your skills. Thomas Edison, the famous inventor, once said, “Find a job you enjoy doing and you’ll never work a day in your life”.
• ask the exhibitor if he has a few moments to speak to you. Keep in mind that he is also there to network for his own business.
• tell him you realize he is not hiring presently but that you would appreciate his reviewing your credentials, talking with you for a few minutes and keeping you in mind when he may be hiring in the future.
• be as relaxed as possible. The ambition, motivation, dedication and passion you exhibit will stand you in good stead.
• if he has a more time, ask him to briefly describe his business. People are interested in people who are interested in them.
• before leaving, thank him for spending time with you, take his business card and ask if you may occasionally follow up with him.
• when you get home, use the e-mail address on his business card to e-mail him a thank-you note. 

Guerrilla tactics for first-time hires and those in between jobs:

• as skilled as you may be, there are things that only experience (even if you have a degree) and training can teach you. The Expo will feature many training opportunities for your field of interest. Consider taking advantage of them.
• ask the employer if there any skills you can learn that will enable him to hire you. Better yet, ask if you can apprentice in his company to learn those skills. Keep in mind that you may need to offer to go without pay during the apprenticeship.
• be prepared to start at a low salary even if yo are worth more. It doesn’t mean that you aren’t good. It just means that you haven’t proven yourself yet. Create a track record and you will move up the payscale. 

Check Parnassah Network’s job board at http://parnassahnetwork.com/