How to Work a Job Fair

Nearly 100 employers will visit CCNY on Thursday March 8 looking for students to hire. Here's what you need to know to shineby Jessica Reyes.Need a job?On Thursday March 8, you may find one at CCNY's annual job fair. Over 70 employers, including Verizon, the MTA, the Harlem Children's Zone, the Peace Corps and a number of government and nonprofit agencies will gather in Shepard Hall from 12 PM to 4 PM to recruit for full- and part-time opportunities and internship positions.With so many employers in the room, a job fair is the time to bring your A game. But too often, students come unprepared. “One of the biggest problems students have is assuming submitting a resume is enough,“ said Jennifer Arnau, a Verizon HR specialist.Don't miss your chance to shine. Follow these 10 tips you need to succeed: PLAN AHEAD. Don’t wait until the day of to iron your clothes or make copies of your resume.  Do everything the day before.  Have your clothes ironed and laid out, and your bag set. So in the morning, you'll wake up, get ready, grab a quick bite and be on your way.BUT...CHOOSE YOUR BREAKFAST CAREFULLY. Don't eat foods that will make your breath smell. Carry a bottle of water and mints; enough said.BE EARLY! NOT JUST ON TIME. The job fair begins at 12 PM.  Don’t get there at 12 PM.  Arrive at 11:30 to prepare yourself. Take a minute to compose yourself, so that you're ready to roll at noon.KNOW YOUR PURPOSE. Think through your "elevator speech," a short summary about you that includes the skills and qualifications you have to offer to employers. Being prepared will help the conversation flow and assure that you stand out and are remembered.BE ASSERTIVE. Don't wait for company representatives to approach you. Introduce yourself. This shows you’re confident and personable--great qualities in an employee.BRING A LOT OF COPIES OF YOUR RESUME. Hand one to everyone, because you never know who might be interested in you.SHOW INTEREST AND CURIOSITY. Ask strategic questions about the company, which signals interest and preparation. And take pamphlets, flyers, anything; they may come in handy down the road.MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT AND WATCH FACIAL EXPRESSIONS. Always look into the eyes of whover is talking to you.  Staring off in different directions shows lack of interest.  Also, think about your facial expressions.  You don’t have to smile like you just ate a happy meal, but don’t look angry either.  Keep it to a minimal expression that shows you’re intrigued.ASK EVERYONE YOU SPEAK TO FOR A BUSINESS CARD. Afterwards, use the information from the cards to send thank you emails. Remind them of the position you are interested in, what you could bring to the company, and that you have applied online already.KEEP YOUR MIND OPEN. Don’t assume a company doesn't have a position for you. Every organization has many different departments.  Also, once you get in the door, you may find opportunities to grow with the company over time.Good luck. For more information, contact the Career Center.