Effective Career Fairs

As you probably know, the all-majors Career Fair is next Tuesday, February 20^th, from 9am-2pm in the Student Center Ballrooms. This will be the last job fair dedicated to all majors for this semester (there is an Internship & Summer Job Expo in March, which may or may not apply to you).

Unless you have a job lined up for after graduation already (and there are a few students out there who fall into that category – a quick congrats are in order), the Job Fair is a great opportunity to polish your networking and personal presentation skills. Get ready for a great day next Tuesday! The best part is, you will have started your job search long before graduation – won’t that feel good?

So, what’s a basic ‘to-do/not-to-do’ list for next Tuesday? Read on:

• Get your resume reviewed ASAP… We’re getting busy here in the BPC, but we will make sure everybody who makes the effort will have their resume critiqued.

• Run through a mock interview – practice talking about yourself.

• Check out a list of the attending companies and pick a few that you might be interested in and research them. Imagine being able to go up to the Boeing recruiter and holding a conversation about the redesigned KC-767 aircraft.

• Dress up. Seriously. Career fairs are to recruiters what Abercrombie is to college students. Look your very best and then go one better. Guys, if you aren’t sure of your jacket or suit size, go to Macy’s (at University Mall) and get measured. I can personally recommend that you see Art, but anybody there can help you out.

• Get there early and check out a few booths. Have a good quality folio (not a folder – this isn’t kindergarten) with several good quality copies of your resume on resume paper. A few reference sheets wouldn’t hurt, if you really hit it off with a recruiter.

• DO NOT play smash and grab with all the goodies that recruiters are giving away. Be there to get an interview, not a little foam smiley face and a CD package opener. If you must, quietly pick the item up and put it in your pocket – not a bag that you got three booths back. Stay professional.

• Keep a positive attitude about everything. Keep your head up and be ready to make something happen that day!!! When it’s over look back and ask yourself – ‘now, was that so hard???’

I know that sounds like a lot, but it’s really, really important to take advantage of next Tuesday. Companies are going to be here specifically to interview and hire our students! If you want some help on your resume or any other Career Fair advice, call Matt Purdy at 453.2710.