expo exposed

My mouth is dry. I've just spent two days in the speed interviewing tent hosted by the RCSA (Recruitment & Consulting Services Association) at the Careers & Employment Expo in Adelaide. My head is swirling with conversations with job seekers - many of whom were mature.

So here are some thought starters, questions, comments - not in any particular order....

• Job seekers - you need to know what you're looking for and articulate it clearly. Practise this. Recruiters, your friends and family, other professionals in your network can't help you if you yourself are not clear.
• Speed interviewing is fun. Give it a whirl. It's great practice and you'll grow by participating.
• Too, too many employers and recruiters still angle their message at graduates / young recruits. Have you not seen the demographics of the decline in labour market growth? Your groovy graphics and pumping music may appeal to the busloads of students at an expo - but it won't necessarily grab the largest untapped pool of talent - the over 45s. Wake up to yourselves!
• Mature workers - you've got to get out there. The expo is a great way to talk with professionals, find out about hot industries and build your knowledge. There are a few more to go this year. And be brave about having the conversation with exhibitors about their preparedness for mature candidates.
• Kate Southam ran a great panel of experts on the big stage. She gets up to 800 emails a month from job seekers. She used this wealth of information to pose some curly ones to her panel. For my money, it was the most valuable thing that occurred on that podium.
• Mature workers - you need to invest in career management coaching. I spoke to some understandably frustrated and angry candidates - but letting these feelings shape your next interview won't stand you in good stead. Believe in yourself - and pay someone to help you do it. Trying the same thing over and over again will not work.
  
• See you in Sydney at the RCSA Speed Interviewing stand - Friday 22 June and Saturday 23 June.