Students have the chance to network with potential employers

With graduation coming in a few months for some students, it is time to polish those resumes, down the dress code, do some research, network with representatives and “sell” oneself in an attempt to gain employment and start up the ladder of success.

For some, the thought of entering the workforce may seem daunting but with a game plan, students can network among hundreds of representatives in various fields at the job fair, being held March 11 in the McDonough Sports Complex, with ease.

To help students prepare for the job fair, the Center for Careers and Employment will be holding a series of events leading up to the job fair, including a fashion show being held today (Thursday, March 6) in the Starbucks Café, demonstrating proper attire for attending a job fair.

With more then 100 different companies being represented at the job fair, students can review the list of employees who are going to be attending the job fair at the Center for Careers and Employment website to identify the various job opportunities they are interested in. Once these desired opportunities have been identified students can then being to prepare for the job fair.

One major component of attending a job fair is having a resume. While the assembling of a resume can be a tedious task once you have established a career, for students just starting out there are only a few categories needed. According to Sim Covington, assistant director of the Center for Careers and Employment, a heading, education, experience, computer skills, activities, such as student activities and community activities, and professional part of is all that is needed.

Students can obtain critiques of their resumes March 7 and 10 at the Center for Careers and Employment and their website also has tips for putting together a resume.

“If asked for their resume the student should have it ready and on hand. There are no second chances to form a first impression,” said Covington y times the recruiter will want to write things down about the student immediately after they walk away. If the student has a resume with them then the recruiter can write these first impressions down on the person’s resume,” said Covington.

Another important aspect of a job fair is a thirty second “sell” in which you tell the representative a little bit about yourself. This “sell” could include your major, work experience and interest. Practice this pitch until it is comfortable and natural when you are speaking to the representative. Typical interview questions should also be reviewed so you know what to expect. This “allows students to talk to the recruiter without freezing up,” said Covington. “Specifics should not be included in a thirty second sell; these should be for the interview. Whatever you can tell a person about yourself in an elevator ride is what should be included in the thirsty second sell.”

Dress appropriately for the job fair. The first impression does count and this will be your first contact with potential employers. “Attire makes all the difference. The employer can tell a lot about a person by their dress before the interviewee even opens their mouth. Presentation of themselves during the interview, responses to questions, credentials, this is where the mock interviews can help a student build a lot of strength, and organization,” said Covington.

Research some of the companies you intend on giving your resume to so you have some background knowledge and can speak intelligently about the company or organization you are applying to.

Arrive early on the day of the job fair and prepare yourself. A map of all the companies will be available so you can plan your course of action for the day. Stay professional the whole time, you are being watched even as you stand in line. Be patient, long lines are going to happen. Be courteous and give the person in front of you their time and space. After each visit take some time to reorganize yourself and prepare for the next booth.

After the job fair, send out short thank you notes to the representatives you spoke with thanking them for their time. You can send another copy of your resume at this time if you would like. According to Covington these notes should be sent out the day of the interview or within two to three days.