job search

February 8, 2021 Leave a Comment

Staying Motivated During Difficult Times

i can't message being erased from a whiteboard

Even at the best of times, it would be rare for anyone to describe job search as “inspiring” or “fun”, all the more so now, during the rough times we are currently facing. Presently, job seekers are confined to their often busy noisy homes, facing competing demands for their time and attention from children, room mates, and pets. This makes it more challenging than ever to find a quiet focused block of time to browse through the internet for jobs, network on LinkedIn, or to take an online course.

But finding time is really just part of the challenge – harder still is finding the motivation, focus and self discipline to prioritize it and get it done. And the resulting guilt and sense of failure only makes it even harder.

Why is Motivation Sometimes so Hard to Maintain?

Being motivated is often more easily said than done – you know that you need to get something done, but it’s just not happening. Somehow, you just can’t dig up that willpower to even get going on — what should be — a simple task. Many of us have this idea that we are the only ones struggling to find motivation to do seemingly easy tasks, but the truth is that everyone faces motivational challenges every now and then. We just don’t talk about our struggles, because we think that it’s a sign of weakness or that we are the only ones dealing with this issue.

We know that motivation is much easier found when we enjoy a task (for example, having a meal), or when we are doing something for someone else (such as attending to a needy child). Doing something that’s not enjoyable, not expected by others, or not immediately rewarding is where motivation can become difficult.

When the goal seems difficult to achieve, it’s even harder to muster up motivation to get it done – think of the struggles so many people face with fitness or weight loss, for example.

For job seekers — especially right now — finding work can feel unattainable. Maybe you have been looking for postings and found nothing you could apply for, or maybe you’ve sent out multiple job applications and no one has responded. Also, constant news about layoffs and increasing unemployment make finding a job sound nearly impossible. So, for many job searchers, as they make their way through each day, it’s challenging to find the time and motivation to look for work — and many find themselves, instead, taking of others’ needs or just sleeping in, mindlessly watching TV or just generally feeling ineffective.

Feeling like you are just not getting things done can lead to a sense of failure, regret and self loathing, which can, in and of itself, feel paralyzing. Soon, it can feel like a rut that you are stuck in, watching days go by and feeling like time is being wasted.

So What Do We Know About Motivation?

What motivates us? Human motivational drivers are as diverse as we are from each other. We are driven by the obvious forces such as finances, of course; but we are also driven to feel competent, be creative, have a sense of purpose and very importantly, feel connected to others. Right now, with our choices being so limited by the pandemic, it’s harder than ever to meet all these needs, which makes finding motivation even harder.

One interesting scientific finding is that motivation is a limited resource. We all start our day with a certain amount of willpower which eventually gets depleted as we face each of our daily challenges. A stressful multitasking day, spent attending to the needs of others, doesn’t leave you with a lot of reserves to do what is needed for yourself.

We also know that motivational challenges are also different for different people – for some, the challenge is getting through a long to do list, and for others, simply getting out of bed and facing the day can be hard.

Finding the Willpower to Get Things Done

Self help experts might tell you that “it’s all in your head” – that it’s all about attitude. They might tell you that you need to decide to act and overcome your resistance. The problem is that even though you might have the best of intentions and a carefully laid out plan, it can sometimes feel near impossible to find the willpower to get it done.

Turns out that motivation isn’t simply a switch you flip on. Getting motivated is part psychological and emotional, but it is also, in large part, physiological – but it is also impacted by your physical ability to focus and persevere. If your health is compromised because of factors such as stress, isolation, poor sleep, lack of activity or poor nutrition, getting things done is much harder.

Sleep is an important and often neglected factor.

Many doctors are reporting that an increasing number of their patients are experiencing sleep issues. I certainly have struggled with that myself, and have heard from my job seeking clients about getting to bed way after midnight and sleeping in until the afternoon. The fact is that poor sleep has massive impacts on our overall health, impacting on our ability to manage stress, focus, and yes – stay motivated — especially when it comes to uninspiring tasks such as job search.

One interesting simple tip: try to get to bed before midnight. Turns out that, according to the experts, the couple of hours before midnight is “a powerful phase of sleep because it is the period in which the body is replenished”, physically, mentally and emotionally. Make sure your room is dark, quiet and not too warm.

If you are waking up exhausted, finding energy to get things done during the day is going to be very difficult.

Keeping a routine.

Many job seekers are telling me that despite being at home for almost a year now, they are still struggling with establishing a routine. We usually draw our motivation from on extrinsic factors, such as a boss expecting you at work, or a child needing to be dropped off at school at a certain time, which forces us to get up and get moving at a certain time of day. When these extrinsic factors are lost, and routine is unpredictable (caused by changing school schedules for children, health issues etc), it becomes harder to get those things done reliably.

Build job search into your calendar, rather than just hoping you’ll find the time. Maybe daily is too much – perhaps you can give yourself one hour a day, every second day of the week, to get online and start applying for jobs. Taking small steps might feel less overwhelming than taking an all or nothing approach to getting things done.

Treat yourself the way you treat others: show some care and compassion.

Your mental health matters as much as your physical health. Give yourself permission to do things you enjoy without guilt or self-recrimination.

Everyone has different needs. Some people might need quiet time on their own to replenish. If that’s true for you, give yourself a block of time to watch your favourite television show, play with your pet, read a book, go for a walk, or do something creative. If you miss social connections, make a point of calling a friend or family member on a regular schedule, and have a coffee together over a video call.

Build self care into your schedule. Give yourself permission so that you can enjoy engaging in self care, rather than doing it with a feeling of guilt.

Get support.

There are many supports available in your community to help. Social media is full of “caremongering” groups of wonderful people who are offering time, resources and all sorts of supports for community members. Sites such as MeetUp.com offer multiple local free opportunities to connect with like minded people.

Job search is much more effective and enjoyable if you can tap into supports and resources such as those offered by JVS Toronto. Having an Employment Counsellor who can help you up your job search game with a cutting edge resume, an impressive LinkedIn profile and access to jobs could make all the difference. Simply feeling accountable to someone else for the getting those things done might get your motivational juices flowing. Reach out to us at 416-787-1151, or read up on our employment supports here.

Motivation rarely comes easily in difficult times. Try to be forgiving of yourself for not meeting the goals you might have set yourself initially, and take small steps to get going again. This pandemic and the changes it has made to our lives has thrown everyone off their game – people might not like to admit it, but most of us are not “using our time” the way we thought we should. That can change, with just a few careful steps in the right direction.

January 4, 2021 Leave a Comment

A Video Resume: Do You Need One?

A woman appearing on a laptop top screen in a video

Recently, we have been hearing from job seekers that some employers are starting to ask for video resumes before considering them for an interview. Mostly, employers are asking for videos to be submitted as part of an application, often with the usual resume document.

Given the current context of increased use of remote technology in hiring, including video interviews, this trend isn’t altogether surprising. But it is quite a new trend — requests for video resumes are generally not that common as yet, with only 3 percent of employers reportedly asking for them. However, considering the pace of change in hiring technology, job seekers should not be surprised if asked to submit a video as part of the job application process.

Generally, it seems that video requests are primarily coming from employers in specific sectors — specifically for sales and communication type roles, which are the types of jobs where communication skills, use of video technology and creativity might matter more.

In some cases, candidates are choosing to provide a video with their resume even when it’s not requested by the employer, as a way to stand out, but this is not always a good idea, depending on the type of job to which you are applying and the nature of the industry.

What is a video resume?

Video resumes are an opportunity for the job seeker to present a short (up to about 90 seconds, or so), personal introduction of themselves to the employer.

The purpose of a video resume is not to necessarily replace a regular resume. It is often used as a screening tool to help employers select candidates — employers might request it with the resume, so they can decide whether to invite you to an interview. Some employers might ask for a resume video a pre-screening device, before inviting candidates to send in their resumes. In some rare cases, employers might even request the video instead of a resume.

Some risks with video resumes:

Keeping in mind Marshall McLuhan’s famous line that “the medium is the message”, candidates need to choose to use video resume only if they are deliberately telling the employer something they really need to know. Generally, unless requested by employers, video resumes can be a risky option. Not all employers appreciate having to take the time to watch a video unnecessarily. This might depend on the culture of the industry or company, or the tools and skills required for the job.

Making a video is a risky endeavour. A poorly made video can undermine an otherwise strong application – if you are going to make a video, make sure to do it well.

More importantly, video interviews could be considered to contravene Labour Standards legislation or the Human Rights guidelines. The Ontario Human Rights Commission, for example, has been clear about the fact that asking for photos on application forms contravenes the rights of candidates to be protected from discrimination based on appearance or other irrelevant factors: “It has long been the Commission’s position that employers should not request photos of potential employees, since they may provide information related to a number of Code-related grounds, such as race, colour, sex or age.”

As far as we know, video resumes have not been tested in court or tribunals. Of course, with LinkedIn already enabling the posting of photos on profiles, the practice of sharing personal images of job seekers is already common practice. Based on this, it is possible that candidates would be well within their rights to refuse to share a video with a potential employer.

How to make a video resume

The challenge facing candidates is that the video must be high quality. It is worth investing extra time and effort to do it properly.

1. Get your script ready: what do you want to say?

Think of a video resume as a video cover letter – a pitch for why the company should hire you. As you would with a cover letter, start with the job posting to figure out what this particular employer is most interested in. Think through what you want to say and write it all out – you will sound a lot more coherent and organized if you’ve thought through everything you want to say in detail. Then practice, practice, and practice some more. Be prepared to re-record the video a few times before you’re satisfied. Of course, putting care and attention into the video tells employers about your work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Use these guidelines to write out your script:

Thank the employer for the opportunity
Introduce yourself and your relevant background and qualifications
Describe why you are the best candidate for this position — skills, interests and unique assets
Explain what makes you a good match for the company — the match between the company’s and your own values
Outline briefly your hopes for how you can contribute to the job
Thank them again, and express enthusiasm about the position

Think of how you want to do this – it’s better to not bore the viewer by sounding like you’re reading off a script, so either write out every word or practice it until you know it, or just have some talking points you can speak to. Avoid silly jokes or gimmicks – focus on being natural but professional.

2. Get your equipment ready

Choose the equipment that takes the best quality video – possibly your newest device (it could be a laptop, cellphone, tablet or computer). Test it for sound and image quality. Make sure to stabilize it so it’s not shaky or moving around (don’t hold the camera).

Here are some good tips for preparing the video: https://youtu.be/BgUAlw4myrs — watch and listen to how the presenter speaks, in addition to his useful tips.

3. Get the space ready

Make sure to use a well lit room, where your face is in the light. Make sure the background is tidy and not distracting, and that no personal items are visible, if possible. If you have to use your bedroom, ensure the bed isn’t visible.

Sit at a distance from the camera that shows your head, and shoulders, where your face is visible, but not too close to the device.

Find a quiet place where there will be no noises and distractions. Keep in mind that if you are applying for a remote job, it’s best to film the video in the space you will be using for the job, so that the employer has an image of you on the job.

4. Get yourself ready

Your goal is to come across as professionally as possible. That means thinking through your appearance, including what you are going to wear, hair, makeup, etc. Keep it simple and neat – you don’t want to distract from what you are saying. Dress as you would for a job interview, which means dressing a bit more professionally than you would on the job.

Give yourself enough time to practice and re-record the video until you are satisfied. Be a perfectionist.

5. Get it done

Generally, a simple, clear presentation of you speaking for 60-90 seconds (1-2 minutes) is perfectly appropriate (and appreciated by employers, who are busily sorting through many applications). But, if your job requires creative or technical skills, the video might be an opportunity to showcase your skills, using text, slideshows, music or other relevant media.

Some tips for a good video:

Make and maintain eye contact with the camera directly, as if you are talking to a person.
Smile – make sure to look and sound enthusiastic
Project your voice clearly and consistently
Pronounce every word
Speak naturally – try to sound conversational
Keep it short
Check the video with friends and family

Tools and samples:

There are an increasing number of platforms online that help users make videos, such as https://animoto.com/, Biteable, Camtasia 2020, and https://vimeo.com/create/video-maker

Here’s a good sample, using Biteable, the candidate created a clear, focused and straightforward video: https://youtu.be/OZzEBa9cHN0

Remember:

A video resume doesn’t necessarily replace your traditional resume — you might still need a tailored 2-page resume, and possibly even a cover letter, if the employer asks.

While video resumes can help you make a great impression on the employer, a badly produced video can seriously harm your chances. So if you are going to use a video resume, take the time to make a simple, professional and appropriate video that clearly communicates why the employer should hire you.

November 23, 2020 1 Comment

Remote Work Skills: Do You Have What Employers Need?

You might worry that you’ve wasted 2020 by *merely* surviving a pandemic instead of learning a new skill in your supposed free time, but turns out that — without even thinking about it — you’ve acquired a whole repertoire of unexpected new skills that might come in handy for your next job. (Not that surviving a pandemic isn’t an admirable achievement on its own, of course.)

Think about it: whether you’ve been working remotely from home, or just using your computer to stay in touch with family and friends using video and social media, buying stuff online and so much more, you’ve mastered a whole new set of remote work skills in which an increasingly large number of employers are going to be interested.

Working from home brings a whole new set of challenges that most workers (and employers) never considered as we transitioned from the workplace to home in March 2020. In addition to the ongoing insecurity employers continue to face regarding the viability of working in the office in the short to medium term, they are also increasingly aware that there are clear ongoing benefits to remote work. This means that more remote opportunities will be offered, and job seekers should expect to be challenged by employers to convince them of their ability to successfully work remotely.

Assess Your Remote Work Skills

Working remotely requires a balance between both soft (personal) skills, and hard (knowledge and technical) skills. Employers are going to look for both, though they know full well that hard skills can be learnt, whereas soft skills are harder to teach.

Think through what employers would like a remote worker to be able to do. The best way to assess what employers expect is through job postings. If you use the keyword “remote” in your online job search, you’ll find something like this (adapted from an actual posting):

Remote – Phone Sales Representative

Are you a great phone sales person who is self-motivated, goal oriented and loves to work independently? We are only looking for talented and motivated Sales Representatives to join our booming Sales Team.

The job:

Enthusiastically present and promote our services to potential clients
Assess the requirements of potential clients and provide them with a solution that best fits their business needs
Develop creative sales strategies for potential clients and initiate agreement discussions
Participate in virtual sales meetings and remote training
Be organized and enter all relevant information and communications into our database
Perform all other related tasks based on the needs of the organization

Requirements and qualifications:

Windows computer/laptop with headset, webcam, minimum Processor Type i5, Four core/AMD A8 Quad Core, 16GB RAM, high speed internet, 30mbps download, 15mbps upload,
Phone sales experience, familiar with B2B sales
Perfect command of the English language
Strong sales focus and loves a great challenge
Demonstrates a competitive drive and a desire to succeed
Assertive, persuasive, and self-starter personality
Strong phone presence and conversational skills
Self-motivated to exceed all quotas and goals
Ability to handle stressful situations professionally and appropriately

Reading through posts such as this, certain generic skills can be noted:

Technology skills:

Able to operate and manage communication technology and related software
Enthusiastic and capable learner of new skills; able to master new tools with ease

Personal skills:

Self-motivated / self-starter
Goal oriented
Confident, enjoys a challenge
Works well independently
Organized and reliable
Skilled time manager – punctual, able to prioritize
Able to follow instructions, and respond quickly to requests
Independent, cool headed problem solver
Strong interpersonal skills (online these include maintaining eye contact, projecting your voice, speaking clearly)
Strong phone presence and conversational skills
Strong language skills
Flexible and adaptable
Able to handle stressful situations professionally and appropriately

Review these skills and add the ones that best describe you to your resume, cover letters and LinkedIn.

Make sure employers know that you have the skills they need

If you want to stand out from other candidates, it’s not enough to simply list skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile — you are going to have to be able to show your remote work abilities. These behaviours can be demonstrated through how you conduct your job search and what you talk about in interviews, as well as what references say about you.

Whether you have worked remotely or not, try to prepare thoughtful answers to questions about how you will handle the challenges of working remotely. Think through various scenarios that might arise, and how you would handle various situations. Whether you have worked remotely or not, try to prepare thoughtful answers.

Of course, it is always best to be able to draw from experience to answer interview questions, but otherwise think though how you would handle various situations. Remember that your virtual job search might be a source of examples.

Here are some of the scenarios you might get asked about:

Teaching yourself new software — Video conferencing software – Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, GoToMeeting, and scheduling, using a shareable calendar such as Outlook or Google Calendar
Organizational methods — systems for managing time, meeting deadlines and prioritizing, using tools, task tracking methods, lists, colour coding, spreadsheets
Staying focused and motivated — describe your personal challenges for keeping motivated and how you work to overcome them, such as balancing independent work with collaboration, teamwork and accountability, structuring your time
Handling challenges – independent problem solving vs consultative work; think through how you have/would handle teamwork challenges across distance, for example
Adaptability and managing changing demands – your philosophy, methods and experiences in working with colleagues and managers on their schedules with their preferred tools

Think through how you’d talk about these situations. Draw on examples where you have done this, if possible.

Demonstrate your **skills by how you handle the remote hiring process**

You will be evaluated based on how you conduct yourself in the remote interviewing process, so make sure you are prepared, following through, reliable and punctual, and that you have mastered the video interview and other tools.

We posted this blog about Acing the Video Interview in 2018 (we were ahead of the game, apparently!). It includes tips on ensuring you maximize the opportunity to be interviewed remotely:

Prepare your interview space:

Set up your interview space; the room should be tidy, well-lit and quiet
Position your computer so that doesn’t face a window; that way, there will be no reflections on the screen
Make sure that the room is silent; no crying babies, barking dogs or loud traffic

Make sure your computer (hardware and software) works:

Long before the interview, test your computer, camera and microphone with a friend
Bring the microphone near and test that the speakers are on
Test for sound; can you hear the person and can they hear you?
Set up the camera, make sure it works, and that you are not too close or too far
Set up the video so you can make eye contact. When you are being interviewed on video, you will want to look at the face of the interviewer, which isn’t necessarily where the webcam is positioned. Tip: to ensure that you are looking at the interviewer, resize and move the window with the person’s video image up or as close to your webcam as possible.

Plan what you are going to wear:

Prepare an outfit as you would for an in-person interview – simple and professional
Neat and clean (unwrinkled) clothes
No busy patterns (e.g. stripes) – they don’t always look good on video
Bright or dramatic colours also can become even brighter on screen (including black); grey, blue and pastels look best
Avoid sparkly dangly jewelry – it’s distracting and can make noise

Bottom line

Remote work has taken a huge leap forward in the last year, and we can expect employers to continue to want to employ staff who can manage such changes well beyond the pandemic. Make sure you are able to tell employers and demonstrate to them that you have these valuable skills and are available to adapt to change in a nimble and competent way.

June 1, 2020 2 Comments

Update your skills from home — where to find low cost and free online courses

Happy male smiling at laptop, Working from home

Right now, while we are unexpectedly stuck at home, job seekers are starting to wonder what to tell future employers about what they have been doing over this time. I have tried to reassure my clients that it’s unlikely that employers will ask — most people understand that in these “unprecedented times” (as the press keeps telling us) people are dealing with a many unexpected pressures. But now that many of us have found some kind of daily routine, as stressful and unsettled as it may be, some are looking for something to do that is positive and future-oriented which might advance their careers or give them a competitive edge when they resume their job search.

Considering what so many people are going through as they try to balance the role of parent, teacher, homekeeper, cook, shopper, and caregiver — job search is understandably hardly a priority for some. Of course, self care and day to day survival should to be our first priority, and the added pressure of taking on additional responsibilities might not be the right thing to do right now.

However, the option to take courses online is available for those who feel the need (and have the opportunity) to do something for their resume. Taking a course can also be a useful distraction, a way to gain a sense of control and do something for yourself.

Finding online training courses that are credible and accessible isn’t an easy task. While Googling “online courses in Toronto” will give you pages and pages of results, it can be difficult to determine which of these courses are worth your time (and money).

Here is a selection of quality resources to learn new skills and boost your employability.

Public Libraries:

Across many locations, public libraries are offering online learning opportunities to card holding members, including IT options such application software, web site development, JavaScript and Python, CISCO networking, opportunities for certification and examination preparation, as well as opportunities to learn programs such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Office.

Libraries also offer access to a wide range of online courses for free, such as

Lynda — access to thousands of video tutorial courses in technology, software development, business skills, project management as well as creative skills like animation and video editing
Transparent Language — learn a new language
Practice for the Ontario G1 driving test — with practice tests and a G1 test simulator based on the MTO Driver’s Handbook and the same method of grading and questions on the real test
TV Ontario Education — links to the Independent Learning Center, Homework Help, and resources for adults looking to complete their GED
Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU) — a non-profit organization that facilitates equitable learning beyond institutional walls
Other free educational platforms such as the Khan Academy

Find the Public libraries websites in your city for more information. You will need a library card to access these programs (If you do not have a library card, check the website of your local public library – some have temporarily introduced online registration options to access some resources. Libraries in the GTA include:

Universities and Colleges:

Publicly funded post-secondary schools also offer a wide range of Continuing Education opportunities both in-person and online; many of which are quite affordable. In addition, through Continuing Education departments at colleges and universities, job seekers can earn certificates in their area of study that will demonstrate their expertise when applying to jobs. Online courses are available at Ontario Learn.

In recent months, universities have begun to advertise more online courses for people who don’t necessarily want to do an entire degree, under the category of Continuing Education, such as University of Toronto, Ryerson and York University

Private Colleges:

Many private colleges offer a wide range of training opportunities, an increasing number of which are available online. The provincial government registers and oversees all these schools to ensure quality, though they do vary widely in their standards.

Candidates should keep in mind that many of these schools might not necessarily approved by the certifying professional bodies (e.g. Pharmacy Assistant candidates have to refer to this list to ensure the course is approved by the CCAPP, the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy programs), so it is important to check first before registering to make sure that the course and school are approved.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of opportunities to study online which allows for greater flexibility and often lower (or no) costs. Some excellent online training sources include:

Also — remember that non profit organizations such as JVS Toronto are offering a range of free expert webinars for job seekers, so check those out as well.

Whatever education or training you choose to pursue, remember to add your new skills to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

March 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

Navigating Your Way Through Virtual Job Fairs: Tips for Job Seekers

Spring Virtual Job fair Flyer — Register to attend our Spring Virtual Job Fair, May 27, 2021.

Despite having sent out hundreds of resumes you still haven’t received a response. You know connections are important to land a job, however you are new to the country and find it difficult to reach out to employers.

Since the job fair is not in person, it isn’t necessary to wear a suit or other formal office wear, however being too comfortable can also have its pitfalls. Participating in the job fair in a comfortable environment might lead you to communicate in an informal manner. Imagine the kind of answers you might give if you were talking to employers while wearing a bathrobe, lying in bed and eating chips. Also, remember mood and attitude can be apparent in your writing so it’s very important to maintain a positive attitude. To ensure you are in the right frame of mind, take yourself out of the space you are in by showering, getting dressed in presentable clothes and sitting at a table.

Here are some tips to make the most of the virtual job fair experience:

Before the Job Fair

Employers want to know that you are interested in working for them and the job they are hiring for. Virtual job fairs can bring in hundreds of job seekers so showing genuine interest is more likely to make you stand out from the crowd and convince the employer that you might be the right fit for the position. For this reason, it’s important to research and only approach employers you are really interested in.

A job fair is just like an interview, so prepare accordingly. Prepare some short and direct answers to standard questions such as “Tell me about yourself”, “Why do you want to work here?” and “What skills do you have?” It’s also very important to create an elevator pitch to introduce yourself. As this is a virtual job fair, you will be communicating in writing so make sure you chose your words carefully because once they have been sent they can’t be taken back.

Place yourself in a quiet place with no distractions
Research the employers you want to speak with
Review job descriptions for each position you plan to apply for
Have your resume ready
Prepare a very short introduction (a few sentences) targeted at each company that you will use when you first connect
Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions to ask the employer. These questions should be about the position or the organization and not about benefits like vacation and salary.
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and that it accurately describes you professionally
Check your digital footprint and make sure you look good online

During the Job Fair

Use spell checkers – try https://www.grammarly.com/
Keep it short and to the point – long blocks of text can be intimidating
Avoid redundancy – do not repeat information
Keep a professional tone – spell out all your words (for example: “You”, not “u”)
Write the same way you would speak in an in-person interview
Do not use all caps and emojis
Your enthusiasm and positive attitude must be conveyed through your writing. The best way to show enthusiasm is to research the company well and prepare reasons for wanting to work for the employer beyond just their reputation in the industry. Note: exclamation points are not an effective way to demonstrate enthusiasm in this scenario.
If you are uncertain about what is being asked, ask for clarification and/or paraphrase the question
After each conversation, be sure to thank the interviewers
Express strong interest and enthusiasm for the job but don’t overdo it. You can say something, like “I really like what I heard today and I am really interested in this position.”
Ask about next steps, if it’s okay to follow up with them and if so, when

After the Job Fair

Send a brief thank-you email to employers after the job fair, on the same day
Write down some of the questions you were asked in order to reflect and learn from them
Follow-up with employers, if appropriate, after the deadline set by the employer. Do not contact them more than once.