By Lorie Logan-Bennett, Assistant Director, Career Development Center
UMBC's largest annual job fair, Career Fair 2002, is scheduled for October 10 from 12 noon to 3:30 p.m. in the RAC arena. If you want to get more out of the fair than just the free giveaways, follow these tips:
1. Resume? What resume? -- Visit the Career Development Center (CDC) for assistance with composing or updating your resume - it can never be too perfect!
2. We've made the list, you check it twice -- View a list of participating employers at www.careers.umbc.edu. To ensure a good first impression, research those organizations you're interested in before the fair.
3. Why should we hire you? -- Prepare and practice your introductory "commercial." For example: "Hello! I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Jane Doe and I'll be graduating this December with a degree in "x." I've always been interested and impressed with your organization's "y" (i.e., information you've uncovered in your research) and I was really glad to see that you're here today. I've had two internships doing "z" and am very interested in learning more about your opportunities."
4. "Now… what does your company do?" -- Prepare good questions to ask employers. Do ask about current opportunities, their hiring process, what they're looking for in a candidate, etc. Don't ask about salary, benefits, or anything you could have easily learned through some quick research.
5. Suit up! -- Dress professionally! This means interview attire (i.e., a conservative, tailored, business suit). Remember, this will be the first impression you make - make it a good one!
6. Don't be caught short -- Bring an adequate number of copies of your resume. Bring more than you think you'll need.
7. Develop a game plan -- Review the handout you receive when you sign in. In addition to a floor plan, handouts will list the employers in attendance and will provide information on what majors they are interested in (don't let this limit you, though), the recruiter's names, and contact information. Use his to organize your plan of action.
8. Step on up! -- Approach the employers you're interested in. Give a good, firm handshake; make eye contact; smile and project enthusiasm; and deliver your prepared (but not canned) "commercial." Provide clear and concise answers and ask prepared, intelligent questions. Offer your resume to the employer.
9. Prepare for the future -- Pick up available literature and ask for a business card before you leave the employer's booth so that you can follow up with the recruiter after the fair.
10. Don't let this be goodbye -- Compose and send a brief thank you letter thanking the employer(s) for his/her time and re-expressing your interest in the company/organization. Employers meet with possibly hundred of students at a fair; don't let them forget you!
For more information, contact the Career Development Center at (410) 455-2216, Math/Psych 204, careers@umbc.edu, http://www.careers.umbc.edu.
