Preparing for a Career Fair

The spring 2013 CCFCC Career Expo is just around the corner! Make plans to attend the career fair on April 4, 2013 from 11:00am to 3:00pm in Fletcher Lounge. This is a great chance to learn more about available opportunities with over 55 companies!

Below are a few tips to help you prepare:

·         Update your resume. The Office of Career Services offers resume reviews during walk-in hours and via appointments.

·         Prepare your “elevator speech” so you can effectively communicate your strengths, goals, and how you stand out from other candidates! Click here for more information on how to create your “elevator speech."

·         Research the companies who have registered for the CCFCC Career Expo. This information can be found here. Many of the companies have listed the majors they are recruiting as well as the types of positions they have available.

·         Create a list of questions to ask the representatives from the companies you plan on visiting during the Career Expo. For more guidance on the types of questions to ask, visit “Tips for Success.” 

·         Dress professionally! First impressions matter – dress code for a Career Fair is the same as what you wear to an interview - a business suit. For more details on professional dress and samples of what to wear (examples for both men and women), see here.

If you have any questions on how to best prepare for the CCFCC Career Expo, visit the Office of Career Services in Riverside, Room 116.

Best of luck!

Where Will You Be in 2,013 Hours?

Are you about to graduate and worrying about what’s next?  We've partnered with Delta Sigma Pi and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to plan an afternoon of informative and entertaining workshops and networking to help you in the transition.  All the events are on Wednesday, March 27^th from 2 to 6 p.m. and will be in Plant Hall—either the Music Room, Grand Salon or Veranda, so just come by the table in the Plant Hall Lobby for information and a schedule if you didn't get one in advance either in Career Services or by email. 

As an added benefit—there will be prizes!  If you are one of the first 25 students/alumni at the “Art of Mingling” workshop, you will receive a UT portfolio to use in your job search.  And for each event you attend, you’ll sign up for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card and other UT logo prizes.  The more events you attend, the greater your chances of winning, so come join us!

Break It Down!

This is the third and final blog post in a series of three titled “Nailing the Interview.” Check out the previous two: Suit Up! and Prep up!.

You've suited up, prepped, and now it’s time to close the deal! Follow these tips for the actual interview and hopefully you won’t experience a rejection quite like this:

Don’t be late, obviously. I know this is easier said then done but take traffic into consideration and allow some additional time to find the office or reception area of where you need to be. 15 minutes early is perfect.

Spit out or swallow the gum you've been chewing to freshen your breath. Try switching to tics tacs that you can finish in one bite.

You’re not going to the club, so go easy on the cologne or perfume.

Bring a list of a few references in case your interviewer requests contact information.

Be gracious to everyone; the receptionist may have an important say in who gets hired.

Remember to bring a pen and notepad to take down notes during the interview and write out answers to questions you prepared after reading this.

Don’t break their hand or turn it into a competition, but provide a firm handshake.

Repeat his or her name subtly after being introduced. It shows that you are paying attention and interested in what he or she has to offer.

Don’t lie or distort prior work experience. Focus on your core strengths and achievements during your time with that specific job.

We all care about the price tag regardless of what Jessie J sings, but do not bring up compensation and benefits too soon. This is more appropriate on a second or third interview.

Try to come across as confident and determined. Feel free to talk about yourself but always direct comments towards the job description to avoid coming off as pompous.

Eye contact is a must. If more than one employer is interviewing you, make sure you reach out to each individual in the interview.

Ask for a business card to stay in touch and remember to send a follow-up appreciation email or letter.

Keep searching for job opportunities; two is definitely better than one. Worse case scenario, you have to turn a job down.

After dressing for success, making the necessary preparations, and remembering those few tips, you’re bound to nail that interview. Good luck!

Top 10 Qualities Employers Look For

According to The Job Outlook for the College Class of 2013 published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers expect an increase in hiring of new college graduates for 2013! Employers who responded to NACE’s annual survey also indicated that they are looking for certain soft skills/qualifications in new hires. The “top 10” list below summarizes what employers are seeking in candidates:

As you navigate the job search process, make sure to market these qualities to employers when you are networking, interviewing, and attending the Office of Career Services events.

Source: The Job Outlook for the Class of 2013, published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Retrieved from: www.naceweb.org.