Rasmussen College to Host Free Community Career Fairs Nationwide
College surveys employers on what they want in 2015 job candidates
MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation, will host more than 20 free Community Career Fairs nationwide March 3-6 to help community members, students and graduates advance their job-seeking skills and land their dream job by gaining access to career experts and employers that are hiring. Job-seekers will have the opportunity to network with potential employers, receive LinkedIn and resume consultations, participate in mock interviews, gain professional dress advice, develop a compelling elevator speech and identify career paths that fit their experience and skill set.
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 http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/events/careerfair/.
ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE:
Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation that is dedicated to changing lives through high-demand educational programs and public service. Rasmussen College offers certificate and diploma programs through associate's and bachelor's degrees online and across its 24 Midwest and Florida campuses in a supportive, student-centered and career-focused environment. Since 1900, Rasmussen College has been dedicated to being a primary contributor to the growth and development of the communities it serves. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Rasmussen College is committed to helping change lives through education and making a positive impact on society through public service and a variety of community-based initiatives. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.
Contact: Molly Andersen
Phone: 952-844-5647
Mobile: 903-920-4366
Email: [email protected]
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SOURCE Rasmussen College
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