attend a career fair
1 Study the advance list of employers attending, so that you can plan ahead to meet the people you really want to make contact with.
2 Take a notebook and keep track of companies/organizations, names,and features about them that you want to remember. Take notes so that you will remember names,addresses,and important facts.
3 Dress and look your best.First impressions are lasting.
4 Have a resume with you if you are a junior or senior, in case they ask you for one. Take at least 15-20 copies of your resume to the fair. Your resume should be typed neatly and completely without errors.
5 In preparation, have some questions prepared to ask either about the company, or about work-related information.
6 Be prepared to state some of your ideas, goals, assets,and be prepared to listen.
7 Do not waste time! Talk to any official from any organization They are there to meet you, and you are there to learn!
8 Do not expect this to be a job fair. It is not. Do expect to get knowledge and contacts which may lead you to job opportunities.
9 Take advantage of every opportunity to learn about the world of work.
write a cover letter
A cover letter should always accompany a resume that is sent through the mail. It helps position your interests and qualifications in relation to the employer's needs, as well as indicate what action you will take next. But most important, it gives employers signals of your personality, style, and ability - important elements in the hiring decision. The cover letter also:
- catches the reader's attention
- persuades the reader about you
- convinces the reader with more evidence
- moves the reader to acquire your services
Opening paragraph grabs the readers attention and establishes your interest in employment
Body paragraph demonstrates your ability to add value to the company and highlights your key strengths and abilities
Closing paragraph compels or ensures follow-up action and extends your appreciation for being considered
write a resume
One
Gather your raw material. Before writing one word of your resume, put together an accomplishments history, including your most significant achievements from work, hobbies, volunteer projects, school, extracurricular activities, travel, and other life experiences you feel are worth noting. Brainstorm and write down everything at this point that you feel may have merit. Temporary headings can help you brainstorm. Following are some headings to spark ideas and help you organize your information. Personal achievements (e.g., financing your education, overcoming obstacles) Education (e.g., classes related to your career goal, certifications, special training) Activities and Honors (e.g., student organizations, professional associations, scholarships, academic achievements, sororities or fraternities) Volunteer Experience (e.g., church, civic groups, hospitals, tutoring) Work Experience (e.g., paid/unpaid, part/full-time, internships, military) Important Career Related Skills (e.g., computer proficiency, foreign languages) Hobbies and Interests (e.g., planning trips, managing personal investments)
S t e p T w o
Select the information you will use.
Grade, select, and reject your information until you have what you feel most positively represents your background relevant to the employers needs. Tailor your resume to best market yourself for the position. Brevity and clarity are crucial. Create the impression that while the paper document is good, the "best" is yet to come (in an interview). Your resume should not tell everything about you. If it does, it may become a liability.
develop a list of references
Start to develop your list of references by first identifying as many potential references as possible. You might consider current or former bosses or co-workers, professors, volunteers or volunteer coordinators with whom you have worked, etc.Do not use roommates, friends or family members as references unless you have also worked with them in a professional relationship.
You will generally be asked to provide three to five references. It is a good idea to have a "backup" on the list.
You will want to include your reference's: name, current title, agency or organization with which they are affiliated. Be certain everything is correct!