2nd Mock Job Fair 2017

AELG Mock Job Fair

Friday, April 28, 2017

On Friday, April 28, 2017 students at Westfield South AELG’s (Adult English Literacy Grant program) 7am ESL class took turns gathering in room 210D to participate in a Mock Job Fair (MJF). This event was designed to help students not only learn about job fairs but also overcome the fear of taking that first uncertain step into dizzying array of job stations, buzzing with people speaking in their new language, all happening in one open space.Where to start? What to do?

The job search, including job fairs, can be overwhelming even for native English speakers. For English language learners (ELLs), it can only be described as unsurmountable anxiety having the courage to speak a new language in public, navigating the job search space, and trying to understand often time very different cultural cues. AELG’s Mock Job Fair serves as an space to ease some uncertainty and anxiety of such an event. To get ready for the MJF, students at all levels prepared with their respective teachers their resumes and/or job applications. They discussed what to wear, how to act/interact, and practiced common interview questions as well as what to ask and not ask interviewers.

Students took turns being job poster presenters, interviewers, and interviewees. As they go around, they sit for 2-3 different interviews and get feedback on how they did on the interview. Lower language level students came to observe different aspects of the job fair, starting with posters and watching interviews. When finished with the job interview part, students meet with career coach, Jackie Williams, for feedback and tips. Finally, students move to another area where they complete a survey and give feedback about the Mock Job Fair in general.

Students commented the Mock Job Fair helped them see what a “real” job fair would be like. Many found the interview aspect helpful to practice English, but most importantly, prepare them for common interview questions. Others also appreciated the feedback on their interview performance including answers (language production and content/topic), interactions, wardrobes, etc. Overall, students indicated they would like to participate in a Mock Job Fair again.

Vathany Say