By Kendra Ludwick/reporter
Promptness, proper attire and preparation are keys to a successful job fair experience, SE students leaned recently.
Darrell Whitsell, career and employment services senior office assistant, presented Job Fairs—Preparation and Presentation to educate students before today’s job fair on SE Campus.
The fair is open to students and the public and will offer immediate benefits for attending.
“ Employers pay $300-$500 for a table,” Whitsell said. “Therefore, they are serious about the job fair and finding people.”
More than 50 employers are attending the job fair, and all of them will have job openings to offer.
Whitsell said students will need to show up at least 10 minutes early and be dressed in business attire.
They should wear clothes that compliment them and treat the situation like it is a regular job interview.
Men should wear a pressed shirt and tie. Women should wear a suit and closed-toed shoes. Men who do not know how to adjust a tie can go to www.tie-a-tie.net.
“ By the time you arrive, you should know which companies you want to approach, knowledge of their companies and the types of positions best suited for your skills and qualifications,” he said.
Whitsell said students should be prepared to discuss strengths, goals and their accomplishments in 30-60 seconds.
“ To practice your 30-60 second speech, role play with someone to get an idea what it will be like,” he said. “[It is a good idea to] switch roles and practice.”
Whitsell also said students should have their resumes ready to give to employers and be prepared to take notes. Students should not leave empty-handed.
“ Collect recruiters’ business cards and write down information on the back,” he said. “You will appear more interested in employers.”
It is important to follow-up with employers afterward, Whitsell said.
“ Write a thank-you letter,” he said. “It will bring you more attention and perhaps trigger the employer to contact you about future employment.”
For more information and help with resumes, job searches and employment, students can visit the career and employment service center on SE Campus.
