Retirement implies you are no longer working. You’ve given up treadmill described above for a villa somewhere off coast of Spain. Sounds great, doesn’t it?! Then why would I not recommend retirement? The reason is simple: People need to do creative things. They need to be involved and express their talents and capabilities to fullest. It’s not only a way of feeling useful or deriving an income; it’s more importantly a requirement for sanity and longevity. Numerous studies corroborate this.

Does this mean you shouldn’t retire? Do you have to remain on treadmill until you die? Not exactly. You can get out of "rat race" without retiring. Applying a new dimension to word, retire, it no longer implies that you stop working; rather, you are no longer working for someone else. You can still have that villa, only now you can also be engaged in creating and expressing your talents. For many retirees, it means establishing and marketing their hobbies. For many others, it’s about starting their own consulting business.

The important thing to consider as you approach retirement age is that over years you have brought a lot to table and have given of yourself in many, many ways. You can now take those same talents and begin to look at ways you can continue to apply them in a self-employed capacity. The rewards will be great. You’ll be off treadmill, you’ll stay sane, you’ll live longer, and that villa off coast of Spain just got a new owner, you.

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- Be mentally prepared with a list of question to keep conversation flowing. Ask about company, industry, what job opportunities exist, etc. Always try to relate your skills and experience to company or jobs that may be open at company.

- Visit companies outside your industry. You will be surprised at how many companies hire in all types of professions (ie. hospitals, banks, etc.)

- Visit your lower priority companies first. This way you can practice and fine tune your approach. When you are ready, then proceed to top priority employers on your list.

- Network! Talk to both employers and other job candidates. If you are standing in line, don’t be shy talk to people in line. More jobs are filled by networking than any other means.

- Conduct yourself with a professional manner at all times. Employers are watching at all times. So when you are walking around or waiting in line, always maintain professionalism.

- Be aware of time. Don’t stand and monopolize an employer’s time. Its not good for them or for you. Ask specific questions, get to point and most importantly get contact information for later follow-up.

D) CAREER FAIR FOLLOW-UP ========================== Its important to keep yourself fresh in mind of employers. To do this, you must send follow-up or thank you letters within two days. Always refer to date and location of job fair. Try and highlight any part of conversation that stood out to make it easy for them to remember you. Always include a copy of your resume. You might also want to follow-up with a phone call.

Also its important to re-group after a career fair and evaluate your experience. Try and understand what you did right and what can be improved upon, as this will help you be more productive at next fair.

Most importantly, just have a very positive attitude. Always have a smile and thank each person you speak to for his/her time. You have something to sell and employers are there to shop around, and vice versa.

This article can be read directly online at: http://www.worktree.com/newsletter/career-and-job-fairs.html

Sincerely, Nathan Newberger, Managing Editor http://www.WorkTree.com "Helping You Find More Jobs Faster"

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