For those of you who want to clinch a job in sales and marketing at the upcoming "Job Speed Dating" event, sign up now for the chance to impress recruiters without having to send your résumé to them in advance.

The fuel and Jiu Jik event, which will take place on Wednesday, will match up job-seekers with recruiters from six reputable firms. They are Centaline, Esprit, Fuji Xerox, Microware, PCCW and the South China Morning Post.

Teddy Tong, Microware's director of systems integration group, says the company is looking to fill sales positions, that include account executives who will be responsible for finding new clients and managing those accounts, and sales assistants who will play a support role in serving customers.

"Résumés don't tell the whole story. We have to meet the candidates in person to find out what they are like. This is particularly important for positions in sales," Tong says, adding that it is more cost-effective to ask candidates to attend a formal interview after screening them at the "Job Speed Dating" event.

Tong looks for candidates who are aggressive. "We don't want people who only take orders," he says. Job-seekers should find out about the participating companies and the positions they are filling, he adds.

Candidates who are not sure about how they should approach company representatives and present themselves should seek assistance from recruitment firm Gemini, which will offer career advice that evening.

Callan Anderson, group general manager for Gemini, suggests job-seekers prepare a pitch that starts with outlining their work experience.

When mentioning soft skills, highlight those related to the job, such as strong interpersonal skills, he adds. Candidates should also prepare questions on topics such as the company's culture, but should not ask about the pay. 

While there will be no need for participants to bring certificates, they should make sure they have documents of identification and prepare contact information for recruiters.

Esprit will be recruiting store managers, assistant store managers, sales supervisors and salespersons.

For store managers and assistant store managers, the company looks for highly motivated candidates with at least three years of supervisory experience, preferably in fashion retail. They should have excellent leadership qualities with a strong business sense.

Sales supervisors should have a minimum of two years of retail sales experience. Candidates should be proactive, outgoing, pleasant and have excellent customer service skills.

At least one year of experience in retail or customer service is required for salespersons. Esprit is looking for people who are energetic, pleasant and customer-oriented.

Dos and Don'ts

Do:

• take the initiative to talk  to recruiters
• prepare a short and simple pitch about yourself
• close the conversation with a memorable remark
• think of questions in advance
• dress business casual

Don't:

• panic
• ask about the pay
• bring your résumé
• bad mouth your current/past employers

Event details  

Date May 26

Time 6pm-8pm

Venue Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

Registration http://promotions.scmp.com/Jobspeeddating

Application deadline May 24