Job Fair Must Haves

In one of our previous blog posts, we shared tips on how you prepare for a job fair. Now that are you covered on that front, here are things you must bring.

Don't forget to take these following items when you attend a job fair:

#1: Smartphone

As you may know, Harri is all about modernizing the job search and hiring process. With that being said, you will need a smartphone at the career fair, which will allow you access to all the jobs being offered prior to the event. You can network with employers, browse to see which positions are open and easily pre-apply to the ones you're interested in right from your phone before the event.

#2: Extra copies of your resume

It's true that we are trying to do away with conventional paper resumes, however, some businesses still prefer them. At career fairs, employers may want a physical copy so they can keep track of the people they meet and use it take notes. Just prepare to bring a few extra copies, just in case a recruiter asks for one. Also, be sure to organize your resumes neatly in a folder or portfolio.

#3: Notepad and pen

Lots of information will be thrown out at you, since you will be speaking with lots of hiring managers at the event. You probably won't be able to remember all of it, so be smart and bring a notepad. Use it to jot down important pieces of information and review it when the job fair is over. (You can also takes notes on your smartphone.)

#4: Your smile and handshake

You'll be a little nervous at the career fair, no doubt. However, make sure you smile and have a firm handshake. Your smile and strong handshake will go a long way, and will definitely leave a good impression on employers.

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How to Boost Restaurant Sales in January

January is typically a slow month for most industries, and the hospitality industry is no exception. People are more cash-strapped after the holiday season, so spending will be down a bit. However, you can still bring in sales if you market and promote your restaurant properly. Here are some ideas to boost your restaurant numbers during this time:

#1: Winter food and drink menu

Create a specific menu for the winter season. Incorporate warm, hearty foods, like soups and stews, in the food menu. Comfort foods are popular choices during the colder months. Don't forget about the bar as well. Get creative with specialty cocktails to entice happy hour-goers to come in.

#2: Seasonal events and entertainment

Encourage diners to eat at the restaurant by offering live music and/or entertainment. You can also host seasonal events or game/trivia nights to entice customers.

#3: Special deals and prices

Offering special prices is another great way to increase sales and traffic. For example, if you notice lunch service is quiet, think about providing a lunch hour deal. Determine the time period (i.e.: 11 AM–2 PM) and specify that diners have to eat in. In addition, consider having a prix fixe menu, with set appetizer-entree combinations. These fixed-priced values are good for both your business and diners alike.

#4: Take out/delivery

Again, the cold weather means people rather stay in than dine out. Cater to those people and provide takeout/delivery service. You can offer deals and discounts here as well, like free delivery after $20 or $5 off $25 order.

#5: Participate in Restaurant Week

If possible, be a part of Restaurant Week. This is a great opportunity for diners to experience your restaurant, which may be usually out of their price range. These patrons can potentially come back and become repeat customers in the future.

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How to Prepare for a Job Fair

Attending a job fair is a great opportunity to meet with multiple employers and brands all in one place. But it can get pretty stressful too, especially if you're not prepared in advance. Here are some key tips to successfully navigate a job fair:

#1: Be informed about the event.

Make sure you know where you are going, and how long the job fair is running until. If you arrive early, you can prep and run through all the details once more. Also, you may have a slight advantage when meeting with the employers at an earlier time, because it is not as busy. Just don't arrive late or else you might not even get to meet with any recruiters.

#2: Research the companies.

Even though you are not having a formal one-on-one meeting with the employer, you still have to do research beforehand. You don't want to leave a bad impression and seem uninformed about the business you are looking to work for. If it helps, jot down key information on your phone or notepad. Then you can refer back to it between speaking at different tables.

#3: Dress professionally.

Remember to dress for success, and as if you were walking into a typical job interview. Even if you don't wear a blazer, at least, have on a collared shirt/blouse, pants and dress shoes. Read our blog, How to Dress for a Restaurant Job Interview, for basic job interview attire tips.

#4: Prepare an introductory statement about yourself.

Since you will only have a limited amount of time to talk with hiring managers, you want to use it wisely. If you prepare a brief 20 to 30-second introduction about yourself, you won't have to worry about it on the spot. However, don't memorize your speech word-for-word; be natural.

#5: Have a list of questions ready.

Write down specific questions you want to ask employers regarding the job and/or hiring process. For example, you probably want to know the job responsibilities, career development and growth opportunities, etc. Tip–Ask for a business card or email, so that you can continue corresponding with them.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Harri Profile

Currently looking for a new job? Before you start applying, first thing you should do is make sure to give your Harri profile a little refresher.

#1: Update your profile and cover photo.

Swap out your old profile photo, and upload a new professional headshot, if possible. (Check out our post, Tips for a Professional Profile Photo, to learn how to take the perfect profile picture.) Customize your profile even more and add a cover photo. It's a great way to show off your personality or your individual talents.

#2: Add new photos or videos.

You probably took some awesome photos last year. Add them to your gallery, so that employers and other job seekers can take a look at your work. Got videos? Sure, include those as well. (Just make sure these are professional.)

#3: List references.

Now that you gained more experience this year, ask your former employers or coworkers to be references. Once you receive approval, put their information onto your profile. These references will come in handy when prospective employers request them.

#4: Update the opportunities you are interested in.

If you want a job that is different from the one you have or previously held, make a small edit under your Basic Information. Remove unwanted positions you are no longer interested, and replace them with your desired positions. This assures you that you will receive alerts for the jobs you want.

#5: Stay up to date with your messages.

Make sure the hard work you put into updating your profile isn't in vain. Remember to respond promptly to employers when they message you. If you don't do so, your profile score can drop and hurt your chances of being spotted by hiring managers. Inform employers that you are no longer interested by politely declining via messaging. For more information about how your message response rate effects your profile score, click here.

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Top 10 Traits of a Great Employee

We previously reviewed what were the top 10 traits of a great employer. Now, we will be sharing some of the characteristics of an ideal employee:

• The common saying goes, "There is no 'I' in team." Being a team player is vital to any company, because as a group, you can accomplish more with greater results, and maybe at an even faster pace.
• Managers need reliable workers, people who they can count on for their business to run smoothly. This includes, but may not be limited to, arriving to work on time and not missing shifts.
• Hard working candidates are highly preferred since they will do whatever they can to get the job done.

See below for the other top traits that a great employee should possess:

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