Career planning is not an activity that should be done once — in high school or college — and then left behind as we move forward in our jobs and careers. Rather, career planning is an activity that is best done on a regular basis — especially given the data that the average worker will change careers (not jobs) multiple times over his or her lifetime. And it’s never too soon or too late to start your career planning. Career planning is not a hard activity, not something to be dreaded or put off, but rather an activity that should be liberating and fulfilling, providing goals to achieve in your current career or plans for beginning a transition to a new career. Career planning should be a rewarding and positive experience. The most critical element of your US job search knows in which industries you are most likely to be hired. To be successful in the USA, you must have the job-search tools and the know-how to compete head-to-head successfully with an American applicant. If you plan to go to the USA as a temporary-worker, you must prove to American immigration that you are not replacing the talents of an American worker and that no other American worker could do what you do or wants to do what you do. The most critical element of your US job search knows in which industries you are most likely to be hired. Nobody expects you to be able to hire everyone you interview for an IT position, but applicants expect companies to do a better job interacting with them. http://www.hotcareersusa.com/ notes that job searching can be frustrating and demeaning because employers in India generally do a poor job filling positions, which is also a common complaint I’ve heard from Jobnet Magazine readers. “When someone takes the time and trouble to apply for a job, they expect to be treated with respect, not ignored or mistreated. After you fill a position, send a brief e-mail notice to each applicant so they can cross the potential opening off their lists instead of waiting by the phone. Write postings that make sense for jobs that actually exist, rather than using a brief or general job description, no company name, and a fax number for resume submissions. Give applicants who are enthusiastic about the opportunity the ability to call your office and talk with someone knowledgeable about the position. Instruct your security guards and receptionists with steps to follow if a job seeker arrives without an appointment. Even if you can’t let him in or send someone to meet with the job seeker, ask for copies of the person’s resume. Treat job seekers with respect and dignity.

Alot of companies will look for potential employees at local job fairs. Not only is it a great way to locate new workers, but it is also a wonderful way to reach out to the community. The hiring managers can conduct a sort of ‘pre-interview’ with many candidates, in a face to face manner. This is an extremely cost effective way to find qualified candidates. It also allows those looking for a job to ask many questions of company representatives to narrow down their possible list. In this regard, job fairs are win-win situations for both sides.

Those hiring will, however, receive many more applications and resumes than they will possibly need. This is a small price to pay in the quest to locate the right person or persons for the job. Most realize that the hiring process is an involved one, usually requiring several interviews. Job fairs help streamline that by pre-screening applicants.

Those people actively looking for jobs should attend these job fairs as well, in part to increase their networking reach. They can have contact with many professionals in their field of employment in just one day. Where else is this possible? And some companies won’t even bother to advertise some of their positions. Instead they get a feel for people at these fairs, and may even conduct an interview right on the spot. Just be sure if you are attending a job fair to take many copies of your updated resume with you. It is essential to get your name out there when you are career hunting. You need to show initiative, and you can do this by networking with others at job fairs.

Should you be a professional in attendance, business dress is expected. You need to put your best foot forward and stand above the others there. Remember that you are potentially in competition with them for open positions, so treat this as an actual interview. Don’t assume that a job fair is a casual thing, it is a one time shot to make a good impression. This experience can open up new doors in your career. Employers will remember the candidates that they encountered at these job fairs, and you want them to remember you for having made a good impression, not a negative one.

One last thing to keep in mind is that some businesses there may not give you alot of time with them or divulge much information. They may do little more than accept your resume. Don’t get discouraged by this. There will be other companies who will interview you on the spot, or be more than willing to answer all your questions not only about their company but also the career in general. When you find these people, ask alot of questions and remain genuinely interested in what they are saying. This goes a long way towards that positive first impression. Not only does it help you to figure out if you’re interested in working for them, but it lets those potential employers know that you are interested and the right person for the job.