Wednesday Funnies from a Career Fair

I am putting Weiner Wednesday on hold for today because I have a few recruiting sillies to share with you. 

Let me first start by saying that this economy saddens me deeply. I feel so awful for those who have lost their jobs, gotten pay cuts, or didn't receive a raise they deserved this year. I truly hope that all the unemployed find jobs soon!!!

However, I must comment that lately I have been shocked at the quality (or lack thereof) of candidates I have met at the various career fairs I've traveled to. You would think with the economy's vigorous downturn, there would be amazing talent oozing from every direction. Well, where are they? 

Don't get me wrong. We've interviewed and met several AMAZING individuals...and we've given offers to quite a few solid, going-to-be-successful, rock-star candidates. But as a whole, I haven't been too impressed with some candidates who've attended career fairs.

And just a friendly tidbit. Two very quick, very simple ways to at least appear to be interested in looking for a career...while attending a career fair:

WEAR A SUIT and HAVE A PERSONALITY.  

On a smilier note, today's fair included the following sillies that made me giggle:

1). The first young lad who approached us just stood in front of our booth. Once I realized he wasn't going to say anything, I extended a handshake and asked him what he was looking for. He was a junior looking for an internship, and I asked him for his resume. He looked at me like I just told him he won the lottery. He bent over, exclaimed "This is the first time I actually get to use this!", and spent about two minutes unlocking his brand new briefcase. I couldn't help but giggle...how cute!  

2). I have become a professional at spotting the "chronic freebie stealers". I literally can spot one from a mile away. Biggest way to blow your cover as a chronic freebie stealer: Carrying a large plastic bag busting at the seams. Well, I had one walking toward me. She asked if we had any auditor positions available...and before I could even answer, she squealed "What lovely pens you have!" Ha. Cover blown! Oh, and she had four 2-inch-long very course hairs dangling from her chin. Eww.  

3). I am all about fashion. Especially when men are in tune with good fashion. However, a student carrying a "man purse"??? I can understand a laptop case, a satchel...heck, even #1's 1985 briefcase...but NOT a man purse. This guy was walking around with a gray, patent leather adorable designer bag. 

4). I must say - one of my pet peeves is a "package deal". That is what I like to call those who approach employers in pairs or even small groups. If you are at a career fair, you should at least approach employers by yourself. Well, I had a "package deal" today. A guy and a girl...both of whom were very obnoxious. I was telling them about our positions when the guy said to me "Hey, you look familiar. I think I saw you at the networking event at the King's Inn!" I gave him an odd look. His girlfriend said, "John, that's a strip club". 

Let me be clear. It was NOT me whom he saw at a strip club. 

5). Finally, we had another "package deal". The girl was wearing the tightest leggings I've ever seen, a leopard-print top, patent leather shoes, her hair literally twisted into a bee-hive on the top of her head, and enough makeup for me to scrape off with a spoon. Need I say more?