How to prepare for the Youth Hiring Fair

Review our top 10 tips

Drop into the Youth Employment Centre for support.

1. Decide what type of job you’re looking for:
   • What roles are you best suited for?
     
     
2. Know when you’re available to work:
   • What hours and days during the week are you able to work?
   • Are you available for summer or seasonal roles?
   • What date are you able to start working?
      
3. Determine how will you get to work and how to be contacted:
   • Will you commute using public transit?
   • Are there parking considerations?
   • Do you have a professional email?
   • Can employers reach you by phone?
   • What is your current voicemail?
     
     
4. Create a targeted employer list:
   • View a list of attending Fair employers sorted by age to start.
   • A busy event, identify your top five employers you want to speak to first.
      
5. Research your targeted employers:
   • Check out each company’s website.
   • Look for information on what the employer is looking for in their employees.
     
     
6. Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself to employers:
   • Use your research to have at least one reason why you want to work for their company. 
   • Learn more on how to create an elevator pitch for the Youth Hiring Fair.
     
     
7. Update your resume:
   • Target your resume / cover letter to the employers you plan to meet.
   • Review active employer job postings, or similar opportunities, online.
   • See what skills and qualifications employers are looking for.
      
8. Print off copies of your resume to bring:
   • Some Youth Hiring Fair employers will accept resumes onsite; others will encourage you to apply online.
   • If you need additional copies, limited printing services are available at the event.
   • Public WiFi is not provided at the event.
     
     
9. Plan to attend the Youth Hiring Fair as early as possible:
   • This event sees an average of 5,000+ job seekers.
   • Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Many job seekers will start lining up in the morning to enter.
   • Aside from presentable attire, please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
   • Consider taking public transit to the Youth Hiring Fair, with limited paid parking available onsite.  
   • We encourage visitors to follow YEC social media for event day updates, as we do our best to monitor ongoing visitor capacity.
     
     
10. After the Fair, make sure to follow up with employers:
    • Check your email regularly and/or be available by phone.
    • Contact your Employment Counsellor as needed.