The Fall Career Fair is today in Worthen Arena from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Career Center and helps students make connections with potential employers. More than 100 businesses will be presented at the Career Fair. Joe Goodwin, the assistant director of the Career Center, has provided students with some tips for the interview process.
The basics
- Students should prepare a brief 20 to 30 second introduction about themselves and their credentials, Goodwin said. This is a good way to make a positive first impression and to start a conversation with the employer.
- Students need to have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact with their potential employers. This shows the employer that you are a confident person, Goodwin said.
- Research potential employers before the interview. The internet is a good way to find more information about a specific company. Company databases such as ReferenceUSA and Business Source Premier are available to students at University Library's Web site.
- Clothing should be clean and ironed
- Hairstyle should provide you with a professional appearance.
- Keep cologne to a minimum. Remember that less is more, Goodwin said.
- Shoes should be kept neat and polished. Avoid wearing tennis shoes or flip flops.
- Wear a button-down shirt with a pair of slacks. Ties, jackets, and sports coats are optional.
- Skirts should be worn at knee-length. Combining business wear with casual is a simple way to pick an interview outfit.
- Avoid distracting hairstyles, makeup and jewelry. Instead, choose a more conservative look.
- Keep perfume to a minimum.
- Avoid wearing short skirts or any clothing that is too revealing.
- Avoid any kind of workout or beachwear attire, including flip flops.
Making a good first impression at the Fall Career Fair may be especially important for students this year. According to a survey conducted by National Association of Colleges and Employers in the summer of 2009, employers who responded expect to hire about 7 percent fewer college graduates than they did last year.
Employers also reported they will be participating in fewer college career fair programs this year, according to the same survey. Employers said they would be putting more emphasis on social networking through online resources, rather than spending money on traveling to meet applicants.
But there is some good news for students planning to attend the Fall Career Fair today. Although employers expect to hire fewer graduates, they said the bulk of their recruitment will take place this fall, rather than in the spring, according to NACE.
Goodwin said despite these factors, it is important for students to stay optimistic and pro-active during their search for a job.
"The students need to be persistent and try not to be discouraged," he said.
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