Photo by Sarah Sanchez
While many students stress about finding jobs and internships, career fairs are often a helpful way to get information about employers and develop professional contacts that can lead to an internship or full-time job. Ramapo College will be hosting the Spring Career Fair on Thursday, March 9 in the Bradley Center from 12-4 p.m.
Students often use career fairs to network, make positive first impressions and learn about employers. Meeting and interacting with recruiters face-to-face is a critical part of the job search process.
“Attending a career fair gives employers the chance to put a face to the resume,” said Debra Stark, Assistant Director and Career Advisor from the Cahill Career Development Center.
The Cahill Center also gives seven tips for students to make the most of career fairs on campus:
- Develop a strong resume. Your resume should be error-free, concise and pleasing to the eye. If you are looking at several career options, you may want to create two or more targeted resumes with different career objectives. Make several copies to bring to the event, as you have the opportunity to visit multiple employers at the fair.
- Download the Career Fair app. By downloading the “Career Fair Essentials” app you will have access to see what companies are registered to attend the career fair. The app will also allow you to review an interactive floor plan of where employers are located to maximize your time.
- Research attending employers. Employers appreciate when a student does research about their company. It shows initiative, preparation and interest. The more you know about the organization and the types of positions they hire, the better you will come across to the employer.
- Create a game plan. With over 100 employers in attendance at a career fair, it is important to have a game plan on the companies you want to target. Know what employers you want to connect with and make them your top priority.
- Dress for success. What you wear is crucial to the first impression an employer makes about you. Make sure you look professional so that you stand out.
- Perfect your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a compelling, succinct, 30-45 second description of you, what your strengths are and what you would like to do. It is your introduction when you are attending a career fair, interviewing, networking or writing cover letters.
- Follow up after the fair. Collect business cards and make a point to follow up with recruiters you met by sending a thank you email.
For any assistance with resumes, elevator pitches and navigating career fairs, contact the Cahill Career Development Center, C-209, cahill@ramapo.edu, 201-684-7444 for more information.
jrodri14@ramapo.edu
