SAVE THE DATE – FALL 2023 CAREER FAIR
WHO: All Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff
WHEN: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Williams-Brice Physical Education Center
WHY: Meet with Employers about JOBS and INTERNSHIPS
More information can be found on HANDSHAKE!
Remember to:
- Pre-register for the fair ahead of time!
- Review the list of employers
- Update/upload your resume to Handshake
- Attend our Prepare for the Fair workshop on Tuesday, October 10th from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. in LJSU A201
- Take advantage of the QR codes on the employer tables
- Make sure your Handshake account is activated and download the Handshake app ahead of time
Prepare for the Career Fair
Career fairs offer students at all stages of their career development a unique opportunity to get first-hand knowledge of employment trends and specific job openings. Students at all levels of their educational experience are invited and encouraged to attend our events.
Come to our Prepare for the Fair workshop on Tuesday, October 10th from 3-4 p.m. in Lib Jackson Student Union A201
Please explore the below resources to assist you as you prepare for this next opportunity to network with employers!
When you get to the career fair, you'll notice QR codes at each employer booth. Scan the QR code at booths you’re interested in to have your contact information shared with the recruiters. Handshake will send you a summary of the companies you met with after the fair. To make the process fast and simple, make sure your Handshake account is activated and download the Handshake app ahead of time.
Why Prepare
- It's a way to market yourself for potential opportunities both now and in the future!
- You can connect directly with recruiters and hiring managers from a wide range of companies!
- You are making a first impression on a company.
- You can gather useful information about companies who are hiring for your major!
- You will make new contacts in your field.
- It won't be as intimidating if you prepare ahead of time.
Before the Event
- Do your research: See who is coming to our Career Fair via Handshake
- Some employers will have campus interviews the days following the career fair!
- Pre-register for the event in Handshake
- Make a plan!
- Decide who you’d like to meet at the fair
- Research the companies online to learn about their culture, values, mission, and possible career paths
- Impress them with your knowledge and initiative
- Prepare some questions
- Apply online in advance
- Have your resume critiqued
- Meet with career services prior to the fair
- Make recommended edits to your resume and print copies to bring to the Career Fair
- Plan to bring 10-20 copies to the fair
- Develop a strong elevator pitch
- Practice introducing yourself
- Market your experiences & skill sets
- Topics could include:
- Who you are & what you do
- Your skills and/or accomplishments
- What you are interested in doing
- What you are looking for at the fair
- Select your attire
- Know the dos and don’ts of proper attire
- What you wear is important
- Stand out in a well-chosen wardrobe
- Employers notice details and complain that students aren’t dressed to impress
- Visit the Career Closet if you need professional attire (Wall/Prince)
- Make plans to get your headshot taken at the fair (our photography studio will be at this event)
During the Event
- Make a plan of action & come prepared!
- Know which employers you want to connect with and make time to visit their table
- Be sure to allow extra time for long lines at popular recruiters’ tables
- Make sure to bring enough copies of your resume
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks
- Make sure you have lots of enthusiasm
- Wear your nametag
- Items to include:
- First and last name
- Class Year
- Major
- Write legibly
- Place it on the right side of your chest – when you extend your arm to shake hands, this will be more noticeable
- Know how to answer the “tell me about yourself” question but don’t share it all.
- Topics:
- Background
- Education & experience
- What you are currently doing
- Offer a firm handshake (or a COVID-appropriate greeting)
- Look at the employer
- Smile
- Ask their name (collect a business card at the end)
- Remember to network!
- Collect as many business cards as possible
- Follow up after the fair!
- Get to know the recruiters
- Make a good impression
- Be prepared to answer questions about yourself
- Bring the WOW factor
- Recruiters are meeting hundreds of students at the event
- It's not enough to simply say hello and drop off your resume
- Tell the employer about your desire to work for their company and what sets you apart from other candidates
- Be a sponge
- Take notes
- Listen to everyone around you while you wait
- How do other students introduce themselves?
- What's their body language conveying?
- Who seems to have the most success?
- Pay attention to what the recruiter says so that you can ask questions
Dos and Don'ts at the Fair
DO:
- Ask about the hiring process of the company
- Get a business card from each recruiter
- Say the recruiter’s name
- Be prepared to talk about your work experiences
- Be prepared to share your GPA
- Be prepared to answer why would want to work for their company
DON’T:
- Interrupt a recruiter talking to someone else
- Don’t ask about salaries and other benefits
- Don’t monopolize the recruiter’s time
- Fill out forms at the table
- Just drop off your resume
- Eliminate companies without learning about them
- Use profanity
After the Event
- Get organized
- Sort out business cards and materials
- Create a list of potential job leads and rank them according to your interest in the company
- Include notes about the conversations you had with recruiters
- Follow up
- Follow employers on Handshake
- You'll receive notifications when they post new jobs and events!
- Apply to an open job or internship
- Update your job lead list with the date that you applied online
- Create or update your LinkedIn Profile and add your new photo
- Send a thank you email to everyone you meet and request a connection via LinkedIn with a note
Additional Resources
- Attend our Prepare for the Fair workshop on Tuesday, October 10th from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. in LJSU A201
- Career Fair Preparation
- Elevator Pitch Worksheet
- Need help with your resume or interview skills?
- Check out our Resume Help page
- Find sample resumes, cover letters, and tips & tricks to make your resume the best
- Check out Big Interview
- Practice your interviewing skills through Big Interview with common and industry-specific questions!
- Learn online tips for making a great impression and practice real-time questions online!
- Record yourself in a virtual environment and get feedback on how you did!
- Check out our helpful Chants handouts or schedule an appointment online at CCU Handshake
