Attend the CPCC Career Fair - Thursday, March 4, 2010

careerguidebanner

Don’t let the name fool you, career fairs are serious business.  No stuffed toy prizes and cotton candy here.  Employers pay hundreds of dollars to meet with as many qualified candidates as possible in only one day. 

There are substantial benefits to job seekers at career fairs.  Job seekers can maximize the number of employers they meet in a short amount of time, and have the opportunity to not only apply for a job but to also talk about their qualities directly with the employer.

Career Services offers special advantages to CPCC Students. 

Visit www.cpcc.edu/career/fair to

  • Get information about the CPCC Career Fair
  • See a list of employers who are scheduled to attend and get a direct link to their website
  • Research employers online using the Career Services Employer Directory in Connections
  • View online presentations to help you prepare for success
  • RSVP for the career fair to receive helpful hints and reminders from career counselors
  • New for the 2010 fair!  Upload your resume so we can send it to employers who are attending the fair

Do not try to tackle preparing for the fair all at once!  Follow the timeline below.

2 – 3 months before the fair
December 2009/January 2010

  • Visit Career Services for a professional review of your resume.  Our Resume Marathon will take place January 27th – we’ll help you prepare your resume to go the distance!
  • Develop and practice your elevator speech (Career Services can help!)
  • Create and print pocket resumes (Career Services can help!)
  • Check Connections for a list of employers who are attending and what positions they are trying to fill.

1-2 months before the fair
January 2010/February 2010

  • Last chance to have a career counselor review your resume!
  • NEW for the 2010 fair!  Upload your resume into Connections so you can send it to employers you want to meet at the fair – The deadline is Thursday, February 18th.
  • Practice your elevator speech
  • Use information on the Career Fair website to plan which employers you will talk to

One day before the fair
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 (please note, Career Services will be closed 3/3/10 to set up for the career fair)

  • Lay out the professional clothing you will wear
  • Scan the company list one last time; review your list of questions
  • Put copies of your resume together in a nice-looking folder or portfolio

Day of the fair:
Thursday, March 4, 2010

  • Eat a good breakfast!
  • Show up to the fair early.  Doors open at 10:00, but there will likely be a line.  Look for the CPCC students-only line and show your student ID for quick access
  • Meet with recruiters – remember to get their contact information and to give them your resume
  • Congratulate yourself for taking part in the fair and being on your way to a great career

Day after the fair:
Friday, March 5, 2010 (follow up)

  • Review the notes and questions you developed from talking to recruiters at the fair
  • Compose an email to each of the recruiters with whom you would like to establish a relationship