Tucson Jobing Community Blogs

Hey Guys,

Jobing.com Career Expo is returning to the TCC on Tuesday November 10th.  That's this Tuesday!  We're expecting 75 employers, so you don't want to miss it.  Go to tucson.jobing.com/expo and register as a job seeker.  Print out the form and bring it with you to the TCC.  It's your ticket to get in.  See you on Tuesday.

Click here to see the list of participating employees

Register Here

Jobing.com Career Expo
Tuesday, November 10th
2-6pm
Tucson Convention Center

Hey folks,

Career Expo is Tuesday November 10th from 2-6pm at the TCC.  You can meet dozens of local employers who are actively hiring.  Here's what you need to know.

1.  Dress for an interview.  I know this isn't a fashion show, but you want to make a great first impression and looking sharp is a key part of this.  No shorts, flip flops, or inappropriate t-shirts please. 

2.  Be prepared to apply online.  Many employers will ask you to apply online.  Some will accept a paper resume while others will not.  Be prepared by bringing several copies of your resume.  If an employer asks you to apply online and/or doesn't accept your resume it DOES NOT mean they're not interested in you.  It simply means they've moved toward an online application process.  Career Expo is an opportunity to make a personal connection with another human being, and to ask questions about the company.  

3.  Don't forget to take advantage of free resume review offered through the day.

4.  Bring $6 if you plan to park at the TCC.  The City of Tucson charges for parking at these events.  It's not a Jobing thing.  There may be free parking on adjacent blocks and there is a parking deck near the big cathedral across Church Ave.   

There is a natural tendency to avoid asking questions when you are uncertain as to what the answers will be. As a result, managers often avoid asking questions. Instead, they just tell the employees the answers they really want to hear. It may seem like you are giving up control when you ask an open-ended question that engages the employee. But, it doesn't have to be a scary proposition. One way to encourage dialogue while still guiding the direction of the conversation is to use sideboards to frame the question.

Frame the question with sideboards.

Sideboards are the parameters that frame an issue. They are the "givens." Sideboards are the assumptions you have already made that are non-negotiable. In most situations, there is background information that must be considered before a conversation can progress. Those are the sideboards. Usually there are limitations (time, money, resources, etc.) that must be noted when you are exploring options. Those are the sideboards.

The challenge is to state the sideboards clearly before asking a question that involves the employee in finding the solution. Here are some examples of sideboards in action:

Given our current budget situation...which of our projects is the highest priority?

Assuming we will meet our end of the year objectives, what additional tasks should we pursue?

Knowing that our relationship with this client is tenuous, what options do we have for satisfying this order?

Given the restrictions placed upon us in the regulations, what alternatives should be considered?

As a manager, you can establish parameters that will help employees find workable, effective, and successful solutions to issues and challenges. Think about the sideboards.

 You can also reply to this blog with your comments, send me an email, or visit me online at www.managementeducationgroup.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Warning: this will tick some of you off.  I'm ok with that.  

Jobing.com Career Expo is returning to the TCC on Tuesday November 10th from 2-6pm.  This is the biggest job fair in Southern Arizona, and this time we expect 55-65 employers.  If you're looking for a job, I'd invite you to consider attending the event.  The opportunity to get in front employers is HUGE.  People are still hiring and they want to hear from you!  We'd love to have you and we wish you all the success in the world.  

Here's one thing I know for sure.  Our world has changed.  Our job market is tough.  There are fewer jobs to go around.  It's just the truth, and I'm not going to insult you by saying that everything is all sweetness and light.  You would believe that anyway.  

So what?  Well, if we expect different results we're going to have to do different things.  With that said, I'd like to take the opportunity to correct a few misconceptions about job fairs and address some concerns that I've heard lately.  

Gripe #1.  They ask me to apply online instead of taking my resume. This means they're not really hiring.  Not the case.  Employers receive a large volume of resumes for each open position.  It's supply and demand 101.  To treat everyone fairly and legally and to organize their workload, they ask that people apply online.  By the way, these companies drop cold hard cash to participate in our job fair.  It ain't cheap.  They wouldn't do it just as an excercise.  

Gripe #2.  We have to pay to park.  Yeah, you do.  The city of Tucson charges $5-$6 to use their parking lot even though we rent the TCC for the event.  It's not a Jobing thing.  If you don't want to pay, find a spot in the neighborhood off Cushing Street.  There's also a parking deck across Church Ave that's a little cheaper.  

What's up folks,

If you could use some great tips on how to maximize your time at next Tuesday's Career Expo, meet me on Tuesday November 3rd at the Kino One Stop Career Center at 2pm.  I'll help you make a battle plan for the event, so you can walk out of there a winner.  No RSVP necessary, just come on down to the 2797 E Ajo (across from TEP park).  See you then.

Doug

(This post is based on some of the principles included in my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough which I wrote with San Diego-based executive coach, Duncan Mathison. For a free sample chapter, visit the book's official site: www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com )

If you’ve been following my posts, you’ll know that I’ve been writing about networking a lot lately. Or at least it seems like it. Networking, networking, networking. Maybe it’s me but don’t you think that when you say it out loud enough, it begins to sound like earwax? Okay…it’s probably just me.

Networking doesn’t have much appeal, does it? It doesn’t sound nearly as much fun as going to your local Applebee’s with some friends for a beer and some wings. Now there’s a problem with even that Applebee’s scenario. Based on the emails I’ve been getting, a lot of you are feeling that you don’t have too many friends either. And the ones you do have are getting, like, really tired of hearing you talk about your struggles to land a job. And you’re getting really tired of talking about it too. In fact, you’d just wish they’d change the subject.

I don’t think my readers are social losers. (At least I hope not, but, then again, what are you doing reading this blog post when it’s such a pretty day outside?) When you’ve been out of work for any amount o time, it’s easy to feel that you have run aground in the contacts department – especially in recent years when we’ve all been so busy taking care of our jobs and our families. We’ve let outside friendships perhaps atrophy. Maybe all your friends were work-related. And now that you’re out of work, you’re also fresh out of buddies. Or you’ve moved to a new town where you really, really don’t know anyone.

Whatever the reason for your feelings of isolation, you know you have to mix it up a little bit, well, a lot. Get some fresh meat, I mean talent, into your tight circles of relationships. Get out of the house. So I thought I’d offer some tips in that direction.

Remember that one thing leads to another. The thing about circulating is that your first dip into big world probably won’t net you a job. It’s a cumulative kind of thing. So leave that desperate, graspy, over-eager feeling at home when you head out the door. Just be open to meeting who you meet. Maybe tonight you’re destined to actually help someone else. And you’ll come home feeling just a little better about yourself.

Look for opportunities where you can become a regular. And no, I don’t mean the Applebee’s bar. When your face starts becoming familiar, you will emerge from invisibility to someone who people will be glad to see. Maybe they’ll even shout out your name, like, “Norm!” (But don’t count on it.) If you try a business mixer or worship service or volunteer opportunity, and people completely ignore you, keep going. Week after week. Introduce yourself as often as you can. And just let the cumulative effects of time work their wonders.

Stay away from solitary pursuits, even if they’re out of the house. Going to a matinee movie doesn’t count as “getting out there.” Go to local economic development or chamber of commerce meetings, receptions, mixers. Your local bookstore probably offers booksignings, author lectures or special classes. A friend of mine who is a professional coach is part of a team who gives courses at Whole Foods! Go! The home improvement stores offer free courses. Go! The American Red Cross offers courses in first aid, cpr, etc. Go!

Make job-related networking events only a small percentage of your out-of-the-house activities. First of all, you’re so much more than unemployed. And you need to nurture those other parts of who you are. At the very least, this way you’ll lead with an opener that’s so much more interesting than, “Hi, gotta job?” But most importantly is that your self-definition has a chance to stay strong and defined beyond this immediate need of landing a gig. You will also stand a better chance of meeting people other than fellow job-seekers. You know…people who already have jobs? And who would be thrilled to help you get inside their companies or organizations.

Learn something. Go to local college courses – especially the ones at night, when employed people go to school. You don’t have to matriculate and take on the expense of a formal semester. Continuing ed courses can be inexpensive. The teachers are often professionals in the community (hint: employed people!). It’s probably best if you took a course that would help you be more qualified for the kind of job you’re looking for. But even taking a non-job related course will at least remind you that there’s more to life than your daily bread (although, it’s kind of hard to make that argument right now, I know).

Teach something. Surely you know something that will benefit others. How to read, for adult literacy programs, for instance. If you have a profession or skill that’s useful in the for-profit world, surely you can introduce at least the basics to young people. Convene a panel of other experts and put on a program! (You’ll be able to find a venue. A friend of mine hosted the annual meeting of his professional association – on the premises of the company that had just laid him off. Awkward.)

Volunteer. Those same skills you can teach you can donate. It will make you feel good about being who you are and what you can do. That boost in self-esteem will give you the added confidence that will send out the signal that you’re a valuable contributor to the world.

Call old friends – even if they haven’t heard from you in a long time. This is where Facebook comes in handy. The other day I heard from a dear friend for the first time in about 8 years. We’d been looking for each other off and on over recent years but, thanks to Facebook, she found me first! And we talked on the phone for a full three hours. A lot of it was catching up. But, she was also very candid about the fact that she needed some professional advice from me. Did I see this as a cheesy ulterior motive? Heck no! First off all, I owed her a gigantic favor from 10 years ago (I mean, huge). Secondly, I love her and I know she loves me. So whatever I have is hers. (Advice, I mean.)

Ask for introductions. Unless you’re a bitter whiner who needs to blow your nose and brush your teeth (and, uhm, a little roll-on?), the friends you have should be happy to give you introductions you need to move your job search forward. If they’re reluctant to help you, find out why. Wouldn’t you want to know the truth, especially if it was something you could fix? And, if they’re possessive with or protective of their contacts to the point where they’re keeping you from helping yourself, or making you feel judged, it’s best that you should know that now. You might have just discovered a brand new opening in your group of friends to fill.

They say that once you achieve a certain age, it gets harder and harder to make new friends. Everyone is set in their habits, patterns, commuting routine, relationships. Well, one of the upshots of these economic times is that everyone is thrown higgledy-piggledy into a big pile of confusion and some flavor of disconnectedness. Now is a fantastic time to build new circles of friends and business contacts.

And vow to take better care of them in the future. Like, don’t wait 8 years before picking up the phone.

There was much to celebrate last week at the Diversity Leadership Alliance Conference, including the  winners and finalists recognized by the State Council for the Arizona State Society of Human Resources Management Association.  AZSHRM is proud to once again honor companies, organizations and individuals for their 2009 diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace and beyond.  This was the award’s eighth year and many of the past winners were in attendance at the conference to recognize this year's winners as well.

AZSHRM partnered again this year with the Diversity Leadership Alliance and Jobing.com.  There were many wonderful nominations this year who should all be proud of the great work that is being done. 

Over 900 business and community leaders were present on October 22 for the awards ceremony at the Phoenix Downtown Sheraton when the winners were first announced. 

2009 Workforce Diversity Award Winners

Business - Large Category
American Express

Business - Small Category
Answers & Apples
Non-Profit/Government
Valle del Sol

Diversity Champion
Maria Aguirre, Arizona Western College

For more information about the awards, please visit http://www.workforcediversityawards.com/

 

The Tucson chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners is a dynamic group of women who mean business.  These folks get it done, and they know how to have a good time too.  By the way, Jobing.com is a proud sponsor of this group and I'm always impressed by how they thrive regardless of the big "E" word.  

I'm inviting you to join NAWBO at their 2009 Holiday Auction and Razztini Gala on Tuesday December 8th at the Manning House.  The Razztini Gala is the flagship fundraising event for NAWBO Tucson and it's always a blast.  Come network with the hardest working movers and shakers in Tucson.  Bid on great stuff.  Have a martini at lunchtime.  What's not to like about this situation?

Business owners, if you'd like to exposure your product or service to the group, there are sponsorship opportunities available as well.  Just visit nawbotucson.org to learn more. 

Join the Arizona Small Business Association for this amazing motivational presentation from the man Toastmasters International named as one of the top five speakers in the world! Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times #1 bestsellers Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive and Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt. Both books are among the top 15 inspirational business books of all time, according to the New York Times. Harvey's books have sold 10 million copies worldwide, been translated into 37 languages and sold in 80 countries. He also writes a nationally syndicated column for United Feature Syndicate.

Don't miss your chance to hear this popular and entertaining business speaker!


*3:00pm - 4:00pm: registration & networking

*3:30pm - 4:00pm: VIP reception

*4:00pm: program

*5:30pm - 6:30pm: networking & book signing

Job fairs are a great way to hire talented people quickly.  Jobing.com Career Expo helps you make these connections.  We understand that attending this event is an investment, and we want to help you maximize your return.  I put together a few tips to help get the most out of Career Expo.

1.  Bring backup.  As my Grandma used to say "be anything, but NEVER surprised."  Lines will be long, but we don't want you to miss any opportunities.  Bring your best and brightest people for backup, and give them the freedom to tell their stories.  Their enthusiasm and experiences are really valuable to potential recruits.    

2.  Be comfy.  I think it's perfectly OK to wear business casual clothing to the career fair, especially in uber laid-back Tucson.  If you have company polos, now's the time to dust them off.  Ladies, flats with gel insoles might help.  My wife, who's a recruiter too, swears by them.  Count on the Jobing team to bring you drinks and snacks so you don't hit the deck from exhaustion.  We'll even field questions in your booth if you need to step away for a break. 

3.  Never forget how you felt as a job seeker.  If job seekers must apply online, let them know why this is required and reassure them that it's not a brush off.  We're working with them to understand this process, but it's a major point of contention and confusion for many.  If job seekers show desperation or entitlement, don't write them off too early.  Just politely redirect the conversation.  You might really like them after you turn them around.  Most importantly, be kind and polite.  They'll never forget how well you treated them during a tough time and you'll create instant engagement upon hire.  

Jobing.com Career Expo Tuesday, November 10th
2pm-6pm
Tucson Convention Center

What does it mean to “sell yourself”? It’s ensuring that your resume makes it to the top of the stack, or that your name is on the short list of preferred candidates. Sure it starts with a good cover letter. But does it really start there? It’s having confidence in yourself and your abilities in order to convince others that you are the perfect person for that incredible job that you really want.

In order to be the best, you have to know that you’re the best, and that means you have to do your homework. That’s right, education. There are many jobs out there but you may not have the right background. Well get it. You may be busy with a job that you don’t really want, but it pays the bills. Or you may be collecting unemployment for the time being, but that won’t last forever. Take a big tug on those bootstraps and earn the education that you need to better position yourself, professionally.

Going back to school… the idea is quite inspiring, really. But where will you find the time? You have it… you just need to carve it out of your schedule. The good news is that you live in the day-in-age of the Internet and what an awesome tool that is. Because of its widespread access, there are some really great online education options out there that offer you the opportunity to study wherever and whenever you want. The fact of the matter is, online education is booming right now and because of the competition, you have some excellent options.
So here’s the drill: finish your bachelors, get your masters, differentiate yourself with a specialized certificate in an up-and-coming field like Sustainability Leadership, Software Engineering and Networking, or go global with an international business doctorate. Do your homework. Research your options. You may be surprised at the educational opportunities that exist today within our pivotal global economy.

Sell yourself with confidence, knowing you have the right education. Research your educational opportunities at JobingEducation or learn more about one of our sponsored schools, UC Irvine - Extension or California  (online certificate programs) or California Intercontinental University (CalU – online master’s and doctorate degrees). Use your time wisely to better your life and let the bidding begin!

 

In recent weeks I’ve been watching events unfold in Sedona  -- that whole James Arthur Ray thing and how people died in an ersatz sweat lodge.  I suppose for many people, a terrible event such as this (where people paid $9,000 for the privilege of dying a horrible death, surrounded in the gloom by their vomiting and fainting companions) is so exotic to most people that “that could never happen to me” is a thought that briefly passes through our minds.  And that would probably be true.

 

However, this whole clutch of motivation and self-help teachers has been bugging me over recent years. While a multitude of programs are offered every year that don't involve ambulances and homicide investigations, many of them are damaging in the way they take advantage of intelligent, open-minded individuals looking for a better way out of frustration and despair.  And the cumulative effect of little damages everywhere can also be very destructive indeed. And I’m worried that the general public might be even more at risk as the economy continues its stagger, stagger, crawl mode.  These are emotional frontiers we’re in, folks, and the woods are lousy with snake oil salesmen – people who promise to give you a breakthrough secret to life in a week or a weekend, for the price of a semester of college or a small car.

 I have had in my bookshelf for a couple of years now the book, SHAM, by Steven Salerno. And I’ve been really reluctant to read it. Primarily because I knew he would blow the lid off of the mechanics behind self-help gurus and their business models. And at the time I was also reading Martin Seligman (the very legitimate founder of the very legitimate positive psychology movement), and I was also dabbling in more than a little Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, Marianne Williamson and even Joel Osteen. And, frankly, I liked the way their messages made me feel.  And while I certainly didn’t buy The Secret’s promises hook, link and sucker (I mean, sinker), having grown up in a family whose mantra was mainly, “ain’t it awful, ain’t it tragic,”  I knew there is definitely something to be said for willfully focusing on the positive side of things. If you have read my earlier postings, you’ll know that I believe that a positive attitude is more conducive to creative thinking and endurance during a time where everything seems to be hitting the fan.  At least it makes the ride a little more tolerable.

 But I also know a manipulative head-game when I see one. (At least I hope I do.) I certainly learned to recognize the signs when I’ve bought into one, much to my ever-lasting regret pretty quickly thereafter.  So, I thought I’d lay out a list of danger signs for you – with the hopes of helping you keep your money in your pocket.  (I get the fact that this could mean that I might miss out on a few sales of my own books – but at the end of this post I’m actually going to offer you my first book for free. I won’t even ask you for your email address as one of those cheesy quid pro quo gambits.)

 Avoid any course with titles containing such words as “breakthrough,” “success,” “transform,” “dream,” and whose tuition includes a comma.  Speaking from personal experience here.  These kinds of courses are mostly warmed over material drawn directly from the texts of books that you can purchase for $20 to $30.  There will be much playing of John Denver and hugging of total strangers  -- most who look like they either haven’t been hugged in decades or they’re really really really looking forward to hugging you. The break times are dedicated to urging you to sign up for the advanced course at twice the price (but today – and only today – slashed to the same amount you just paid for the basic course). My memories of those break times involve softly trance-inducing singing from the stage and a certain zombie-ness of the people moving to the back of the room where tables are conveniently set up, where staffers cheerfully accepted credit cards. Did I get anything of value from that basic week? Yes…my mastermind group is still intact after almost five years. We meet on the phone every other week and have become supportive friends. But have our circumstances changed significantly since we met that that “breakthrough” week?  Nope.  (As you can imagine, I’m usually the cranky one on our phone calls.)

 If you go to any course with a title that includes the words “spirit,” “warrior,” “vision quest,” make sure there is an EMT on call at all times before laying your money down. Most spiritual quests are flat-out scary. Who are these people to say they know the way, and will lead us there through a regimen of fasting, meditation and bodily deprivation? The way people refer to spirituality as Spirit, as if Spirit is their next door neighbor with handy cable piracy skills, is revolting. And the way white Americans romanticize the mysteries of Native American life and traditions is deeply hypocritical or willfully shallow. If they’re so enchanted by the Native American way, how about coming out to the Southwest, don't stop at the spas or casinos, and spend that week teaching Native American children to say no to crystal meth addiction and alcoholism? Share the inspiring benefits of your own education, skills and privilege, rather than trying to siphon off a few sips of mysticism from authentic traditions that you will never get anyway?

 If someone wants to teach you how to be rich (for whatever price), first find out how he got rich himself.  Look at the frequent fliers of this particular line of work, and you’ll find out that most of them got rich by sticking their hands into pockets of people just like you (and me). And they’re getting richer.  Did he ever grow a company, other than the staff of eager minions he has working for him now? Did he turn around a major corporation? Did he emerge from his own family of alcoholics and desperados to blaze his own trail by making something or contributing something useful to society (that is other than an ultra-expensive retreat)?  Is he an unimpeachable researcher who has the gift of translating esoteric, hard-to-understand information into immediately useful ideas that anyone can have for the price of a book?  That might be someone worth paying some attention to.

 When someone tells you that you’re nowhere without his secrets or gift, laugh and walk away. Need I say more? Okay, I will. I know of one so-called Buddhist guru (she’s American) who actually replaced the words “Higher Power” in the 12 Step Program with her own name.  That’s amazing. But what’s even more amazing is that hundreds of otherwise intelligent people said, “Duh, okay.”

 Just say no to any product marketed to you via email by someone you’ve never heard of but endorsed by someone you have. These people exchange mailing lists, knowing full well that purchasers of self-help products are the most likely to come back for more and more. The cynicism is mind-blowing.

 Avoid self-help books that were Number 1 on Amazon for, like, three hours one day.  Again, it’s the lists at work. These people know how to game the system and they use each others’ lists to snag that coveted spot, even for an instant. This way they can call themselves “bestselling authors.”  Big whup.

 Don’t give up your own dreams.  Life is full of true mysteries. My personal favorite one is the mystery of synchronicity. I’m a total sucker for those stories, and I have true, first-hand stories of my own that would curl your hair. But I wouldn’t bet the ranch on a synchronicity that I perceive to be an omen. (Even though, in my heart of hearts, I kind of hope it is.)

We all need fresh infusions of inspiration now and then. And  personal growth does involve keeping your mind open and venturing into uncomfortable zones now and then. But no breakthrough experience should necessitate group puking or even close bodily contact with strangers to the strains of “Sunshine On My Shoulders.”

 Keep your wallet in your pants. Or purse.

 (Now for the free offer:  I will give you a free copy of my very first book, Find Your Calling, Love Your Life. For absolutely nothing. Not even your email address.  Just go to www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com and click the green button that will lead you to free downloads. You can also have a free sample chapter of my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market.  Naturally, my coauthor and I would love it if you also purchased that book. But you know what? You don’t have to.)

 

 

 

Jobing.com Career Expo is coming to the Tucson Convention Center on Tuesday, November 10th  This is a great way to learn about local companies and land a great gig.  Here are some real world tips on how to rock out the job affair.  Hopefully this will help us all step up our game.


1.  Do your homework.  Proper research is so important.  Visit their corporate website.  Visit their HR/about us page.  Google them.  Visit their social media profile pages.  We're talking Facebook, Twitter, Second Life, etc here.  You'd better darn well know the answers to the following questions: 

What is their core business?
What is their mission, values, goals?
Describe their culture?
How has the economy affected their business?
What other positions are open?
Who do you know who works there?  
How can you help them meet their goals?  

2.  Being unwaveringly polite.  Lines may be long.  You'll have to wait to speak with the recruiter.  The guy in front of you may be smelly, or he may step on your toe.  The recruiter may need to take a break because human beings have to do that.  Whatever happens, you are "on" 100% of the time on expo day.  There is no quicker way shoot yourself in the foot, than by being a jerk while standing in line.  All eyes are on you, so look sharp.   

3.  Make a personal connection.  As odd as the job search may be at times, it's fundamentally a conversation between two people about eachother's needs and goals.  As John Stewart would say, "just be a person."  Be engaging and warm.  Show genuine interest in what the recruiter has to say, even if you think the job is not right for you.  They may have another job that's right for you that they haven't publicized yet.  Know assume you know everything.  Opportunity is everywhere if you keep your eyes open.  




 

Happy Friday Tucson Job Seekers,

Here's the most current list of employers that are signed up to attend the Career Expo.  

Click here to see the list of attending employers.

Here are you marching orders.

1.  Study the list and come up with your top five prospects that you'd like to visit with at the Expo.

2.  Thoroughly research your target companies.  Visit their corporate site, Google them, find their Facebook page.  Do you know anybody that works their?  If you do, call them and get the skinny.  Preparation and follow through, not your clothes or the fanciness of your resume, is the most important success factor in attending a job fair.  

Let's cut right down to the nitty gritty.  Times are tough and there of plenty of good folks who need to save a little dough where they can, especially if they're looking for work.  The good news is that it's entirely possible to make a great impression on a potential employer without breaking the piggy bank.  Here are some tips.


Lose the fancy pants resume paper.  I know your high school counselor told you that you had to buy mega-expensive ivory parchment and spray it with your perfume to impress an employer.  Not anymore.  That's a left over idea from the days of mailing a resume.  Forget that stuff, and just use plain old white paper.  Nobody will hire you just because your resume is printed on paper from Saks Fifth Avenue, and if they do then you work for knuckleheads.  Also, collect as much information as you can and follow up after the event.  A good practice is to collect as much information as you give out.  It does you no good to just throw out a stack of paper to anybody who'll take it....unless you're a paperboy.  

Neatness counts.  Just like in elementary school, nobody likes the kid who eats paste and smells funny.  Get your first impression together.  Job fair's aren't beauty contests, and you don't necessarily need a new suit to dress to impress.  Just make sure that your clothes are neatly pressed and free from lint, coffee stains, cat hair, mud, and I don't know what all.  Take extra care to be neatly groomed and free of random grossness.  If you do go the suit route, check out these great videos from Banana Republic and learn how to pick out one that fits correctly.  

http://tucson.jobing.com/video/search/banana+republic+

Take advantage of our free stuff.  Get your resume reviewed from a real HR professional.  Attend the workshop from the Better Business Bureau about how to avoid online scams.  Learn how to interview with finesse.  These workshops and courses would be expensive anywhere else, so take advantage of them.  

We'll see you there.  http://tucson.jobing.com/expo_js_register.asp