Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Hadley Union Building (HUB), 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
For Students
The IUP Spring 2015 Career Fair provides an opportunity for students to explore jobs and internship opportunities in criminology, summer employment, government, and public service. The fair is open to employers in all fields seeking students from any of IUP’s more than 175 academic majors and certificate programs for full-time, part-time, seasonal, and internship employment. The Spring 2015 Career Fair combines the Summer Employment & Internship Fair and the Public Service Career Fair.
Dress Casual but Neat
Your meeting with company representatives at the fair is your first impression to the rest of the company. If you do not impress them the first time you meet, you may not get a second chance. Plan in advance what you are going to wear, and be sure everything is neat, clean, and pressed. Simple and conservative attire is usually best.
Update Your Résumé
Before the fair, review your résumé. Is it attractive and error free? Does it sell your skills to the company representative? Is it targeted to the type of employment you are currently seeking? Bring a couple dozen professional-quality copies with you to the fair.
For more on résumés, see our Résumé section.
Practice What You Will Say
There are a few basic questions you will probably be asked all day. If you do not have an answer ready for this question, you will not look prepared. Here is a prime example:
“What type of job are you looking for?”
Although it may be partly true, do not say you will take any job they have. Commit to a specific type of job such as customer service support, clerical assistant, accounting clerk, welder, etc. If you do not want to be specific, offer your experience.
“I have skills in sales, marketing, and advertising, and I am interested in opportunities with your company.”
Be Prepared to Discuss Anything
You might be asked to describe your strength and skills, experience, special training, or qualifications for a specific job. Someone might ask you why you left your previous job or why you are looking for a career change. If you are prepared to field a variety of questions, your tact and skill will show you as a superior candidate.