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Career Center offers resources for Job Fair

January 24, 2011
By Kayla Green

With the spring 2011 Job Fair just around the corner, are you prepared to put your best foot forward? Check out the Career Center's Resume Rush along with other resources to ensure you're going to make your best impression.

2011 Job Fair

The spring 2011 Job Fair is Feb. 2 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Main Ballroom. The Job Fair is an opportunity for students to meet and network with various employers within their fields.

Often, the employers at the Job Fair have built relationships with Colorado State University and the Career Center, making it easier for students to begin their post-CSU career.

This spring's Job Fair will have over 100 employers offering jobs, internships, and opportunities for networking. Of those employers, 20 companies will be offering next day interviews.

Recommendations for the Job Fair

While employers understand that many students are rushing in and out of classes and time commitments are strained, it is always encouraged to put your best effort forward when presenting yourself.

Some tips to consider:

• Dress for success: Job fairs are always a great time to dress up and show off your professional side. Dressing up can show that you're interested and serious about what the employer has to say. 
• Research the employers: Researching the employers can help you gain a better understanding of the company and what they're looking for. By researching them prior to conversing with them, conversation will be more meaningful and you'll be able to establish a better networking relationship.
• Polish your resume: By keeping your resume current, up-to-date, and attending events like Resume Rush, you can improve your professional presence.
• Keep an open mind: Lastly, keep an open mind. As a history or business major, you may not be excited about working for a company whose main product is software or retail, but by meeting the employers and getting to know the company, you may be surprised with what they have to offer.

Resume Rush

In response to the increasing student demand for the Career Center's Resume Rush program, this year there will be seven days devoted to helping students perfect their resumes.

Resume Rush will host 11 different employers who actively hire students and grads. Employers, such as Target, HP, and Dish Network, will be available from Jan. 24-Feb. 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Career Center to critique your resume.

Additional career resources

For students wanting to get a head start on their career search, the Career Center offers a variety of resources to help with just that. Varying from noon hour workshops to online resources, the Career Center can help you get a head start on your future plans.

Online resources

Perhaps the most widely known Career Center resource is CareerRAM. CareerRAM gives students and alumni the ability to upload resumes, search for jobs and internships, and sign up for interviews.

By utilizing CareerRAM, as well as the other online resources the Career Center offers, students will be better prepared to leave the CSU nest.

Noon hour workshops

In addition to the online resources and job fairs, the Career Center also offers Noon Hour Workshops designed to help you improve your presence, confidence, and skills as you embark on your journey to the 'real world'.

Typically, the workshops cover:

• How to work a job fair
• Interviewing 101
• How to follow up after the Job Fair

Your career counselor

And, as always, it is recommended to get to know your career counselor. By doing so early in your college years, you can learn about jobs, internships, resume tactics, and other resources that are available to you. Plus, if your career counselor knows you and your interests, they can inform you of possible opportunities you would like as they arise.