Alyson Oliver
senior editor
South Campus Career Services will host its first Drive Thru-Walk Thru Job fair May 20.
“This event is a job fair representative of the times,” said Terry Aaron, South executive director of community, education and engagement. “Individuals can interview with companies in person, but at a distance by either staying in their car or walking up.”
Fifty companies and organizations will be present at the job fair — FedEx, Alcon Laboratories and Nebraska Furniture Mart, for example — including 20 construction companies.
Students should arrive prepared for an interview with their resume in hand, ready to speak with employers on the lookout for talented applicants showcasing the skills they have learned at TCC.
“The best way to increase chances of getting hired is to present yourself in a positive manner,” Aaron said. “Let the employer know that you are the person they want.”
Students should make sure their resumes are polished and reflect their skills. Those skills should fit the needs of the companies and organizations present.
“Employers are looking for great talent,” Aaron said. “Let them know that you have that talent.”
TR student Kaitlyn Moore said she thinks the event is a great way for students to interact with employers while staying safe.
“I do think you miss out on the more personal aspects of it, though,” she said. “Being able to shake someone’s hand and making a good first impression is so important to do during a job interview, and I feel like some may miss out on the entire experience with it being a drive-through.”
TR student Maria Granados said she would be worried about overthinking if she attended. Not only would she have to worry about her own appearance, but her car’s appearance as well.
“A car can say a lot about you as a person,” she said.
Both Moore and TR student Jaynee Taylor said they think the event is a great idea.
“It limits interaction while still enabling you to connect and network,” Taylor said. “I would feel comfortable attending a drive-through job fair and would be curious to see how that would be executed.”
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in South Campus parking lots three and four.
“What is most important is we are looking for our students and our community to walk away with a job,” Aaron said.
