Rasmussen College to Host Free Community Career Fairs Nationwide

A Job-Seeker’s Market

The Rasmussen College Community Career Fair comes at a time when employers are ramping up hiring and networking efforts to find the best employees. In January 2015, employers added more jobs than forecasted and posted the biggest three-month job gain in 17 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The unemployment rate for those with a bachelor’s degree decreased to just 2.8 percent (compared to 5.7 percent for the adult population). That’s the lowest rate since September 2008. The increase in job openings and decreased unemployment rate have changed the employer’s market to a job-seeker’s market.

“Our business partners confirm there are more jobs available and salaries are rising,” said Tamryn Hennessey, vice president of Career Services and Public Benefit Initiatives at Rasmussen College. “Even in this job-seeker’s market, though, there is competition for the best jobs. It’s critical that job-seekers find ways to match what employers want and set themselves apart to land their dream job.”

What Employers Want

More than 260 employers participating in the Rasmussen College Community Career Fair responded to a January 2015 survey to identify what job-seekers can do—and shouldn't do—to make a good first impression when networking.

Most Important Ways Job-Seekers Can Impress and Earn a Call Back at Networking Events:

• Dress professionally – 83%
• Present a well-written resume – 66%
• Have a compelling elevator speech introduction – 46%
• Have experience in the field – 43%
• Know about the business you’re networking with – 42%
• Make contact after the event – 26%

Most Offensive Mistakes Job-Seekers Can Make at Networking Events:

• Unprofessional Dress – 88%
• Poor hygiene – 85%
• No resume – 49%
• Lack of an elevator speech introduction – 38%
• No company knowledge – 18%
• No experience in the field – 16%
• Fail to make contact after the event – 2%

“The great news is the most important steps a job-seeker can take are completely within their control,” Hennessy said. “While relevant experience matters, it actually ranks lower than controllable elements, such as showing up professionally dressed and groomed and having a well-written resume combined with a compelling elevator speech. You have about 30 seconds to make a good first impression at a career fair or interview. Use that time to demonstrate passion, drive, intelligence and professionalism. These are the soft skills that will elevate you from a good candidate to a great candidate.”

The Community Career Fair is a key initiative under the Rasmussen College Public Benefit Corporation platform, “Building Community Through Education.” Since 2009, Rasmussen College Career Fairs have connected around 25,000 individuals with employers. For a complete list of Career Fair events and to view a list of employers at a fair in your area, please visit www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/career-services/.