I spent a grand total of 12 minutes there -- a new record.
For perspective, today, it took me more time to:
- Shower
- Get Dressed
- Drive to the Library
than I spent at the job fair. Even more insulting, this one was sponsored by the Department of Labor -- I'm sure they believe they're providing a service; but when the only companies attending are either a) financial services companies looking for salespeople or b) colleges looking for returning students, you're doing something wrong.
I'd love to see an actual job fair - where hiring managers (or, anyone other than the lowest peon in the HR chain) show up and take advantage of the venue; but, I don't think that's ever going to happen. Even if/when the economy makes a complete recovery, there's just no reason for a company to do that.
With scanning software and personality assessments becoming more and more the standard for the hiring process, the opportunity to find that 'diamond in the rough' diminishes daily. And, that's really quite a shame.
At least I didn't wear one of my good shirts today.
4 comments:
well, that sucks. Unfortunately, from what ive seen from the few job fairs ive gone to, that seems to comprise what MOST of them are like...
At least this one, unlike the last one, didn't start with an hour-long presentation of each company and what they can offer their employees.
Still, it's insulting on so many levels - not the least of which is the message it sends when you're only recruiting for positions that are commission-only. Yuck.
unfortunately with the economy the way its been, i fear thats the extend of what many companies are willing to hire for...only hiring employees who dont cost anything, and can only bring them in more business..
Not entirely though. For example, there were companies at this job fair with whom I have resumes pending (MetLife, AceGroup), but they weren't "recruiting" there. So, the fact that I take the initiative to go; and I'm available for an impromptu interview, carries no weight. All they want are salespeople at these meetings (and, let's be honest, they're not 'recruiting' either - they send the lowest-level member of the HR staff to collect resumes. Period.)
What made this more damning was the fact that it was presented by the Department of Labor -- you'd think they'd be more diligent in ensuring there are actual "positions" available at these job fairs (or, heaven forbid, they'd do a better job of communicating that there will only be sales positions available).
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