How to Make the Most of a Student Career Day

Student career day, like a job fair, provides prospective employers and potential employees the opportunity to meet, discuss employment opportunities and exchange contact information. Student career day is a win-win situation for both colleges and hiring companies; college students get first hand experience at networking and marketing their relevant skills, and companies get first crack at qualified students preparing to graduate, before having to compete for their talent and expertise with the rest of the hiring force.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare before the fair by researching each company scheduled to be in attendance. Gather knowledge of their purpose, mission statement and values, as well as the positions currently available. Know which companies would be well suited to your area of expertise and career ambitions.

    • 2

      Dress to impress. Wear business casual clothing, even if your peers are doing otherwise. Remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Keep your hair and nails neatly groomed. Men, keep your facial hair short and trimmed. Ladies, keep your makeup light and elegant. Don't wear excessive or gaudy jewelry or facial piercings, and keep tattoos covered. Don't allow anything about your appearance to distract your potential employer from your qualifications.

    • 3

      Come prepared, with at least 25 to 50 copies of your resume. Keep them in a professional binder, with space to take notes and store business cards.

    • 4

      Have a short speech prepared to introduce yourself to companies represented at the fair. Included in the speech should be your name, what year of college you're in, your major, your career goals and relevant job experience.

    • 5

      Make the most of your time at the fair. Grab brochures from each organization (especially the ones you don't get to talk to). Don't waste your time in long lines waiting to speak to one or two employers; work the room and connect with as many people as you can. Even if the afternoon doesn't result in being hired for your dream job, student career days are excellent networking opportunities. Write down the first and last names of individuals you'd like to keep in touch with after the fair.

    • 6

      Follow up with the companies in which you were the most interested. Call or email the representatives you spoke with; thank them for their time and tell them how much you enjoyed meeting them.

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