What to Expect at the Fall Career Fair
*** This is part of the Student to Job Seeker Series. Keep an eye out for future posts that will guide you through the sometimes difficult transition from being a student to an active and successful job seeker.
As we approach the first career fair of this academic year on November 12, we thought it might be helpful to explain how these events work and what the potential outcomes can be for you.
Employers Eager to Hire UO Students! – The great thing about these fairs is that employers choose to come to campus to meet with you because you are a University of Oregon student, and they believe in the quality of education you receive both in and out of the classroom. Rarely as your career advances, will you have the opportunity to have 50-80 interested employers in one room. With some research and preparation ahead of time (really helps to have a good resume that promotes your strengths!), you can come in to the ballroom and find the specific employers that you have identified as having the type of positions you are interested in and make a connection. Plus you may find a few more along the way! The selection process begins here.
A Variety of Organizations to Choose From! – Since employers pay for the privilege to be in the room you may find that the majority of the organizations come from the world of business, but we always have government and non-profit agencies represented too. There are some industries that rarely are represented because they don’t recruit new employees using this strategy. Really good examples of this are advertising, public relations, design, publishing and media although you may be surprised at how the skills developed in these areas are utilized by all kinds of organizations including the industries represented at the fair.
Opportunity! – Career fairs are one of many strategies used for finding a job. They represent a perfect opportunity to make a positive impression on a potential employer. Although it may seem overwhelming, recruiters attend fairs to start a conversation with you, and that conversation can lead to a job.
Support from Your Career Center! – Career counselors will be available at the fair to provide support and encouragement, a realistic preview of what to expect when you walk in the room, and to talk strategy and make personal introductions to recruiters. Counselors and Career Center staff are available in the weeks leading up to the fair to help you prepare, review your resume and to be confident in your approach.
REMEMBER: Dress professionally, grab a stack of resumes and join us in the EMU Ballroom on November 12, from 12 – 5 p.m. It will be a great opportunity to make that most important first impression.
