Only a couple of more days until career day. What should you be doing to prepare?

First you should feel comfortable that your resume accurately represents your experience. This week the career center has all day ‘walk in’ hours for a last minute review. It is also a good idea to ask an industry professional to give you some feedback. They offer a unique perspective of what defines success in a particular field and can advise you on areas to emphasize.

There will be over 100 employers in attendance and the event lasts 4.5 hours. Narrow down your selection of employers and be sure you meet the qualifications. You do not want to stand on a line for 30 minutes only to discover you are not a match. Check the information on connectSC and do your research prior to the event. Select your top 10 organizations and arrive early. If there are long lines at your top choice, go to your next choice and come back when the lines may be shorter.

Are you in class all day Thursday and unable to attend? Stop by the CPPC for the contact information. Your best chance to move on in the process is a face to face meeting. However, your academic commitments are your priority and the CPPC staff will help you make the connection after the event.

What is your story? When you are in front of the employer what will you say? Look at your resume and then review the jobs listed by the employer. What is the one thing about your background that relates to the employer’s interests? This could be a class, an internship, travel or a part time job. You will only have a few seconds to make a first impression and a couple of minutes to express your interest. Be sure it connects with the employer.

In review: update your resume, prioritize your employer list, get a good night’s rest and practice your 2-3 minute story. And, be yourself.

If it’s the fourth week of classes, it must be the week before career fair. What should you be doing to prepare?

First, register on connectSC. This will give you access to the list of employers who will be participating in the Fall Career Fair. Review the list and do your research on the employers you may want to meet. Develop a list, prioritizing those you would like to meet. The day goes quickly and you want the opportunity to spend time with your top prospects.

Once you have your list, think about what you want to say when you meet a recruiter. This will be a short introductory meeting and first impressions are critical to your opportunity to advance in the selection process. Remember your name and a few words about why you are interested in working for this employer. There may be fewer openings available this year and you want the recruiter to remember you – in a positive way. Give them a copy of your resume and ask for a business card.

Are you looking for a position outside of Los Angeles? Your research should lead you to the organizations with locations where you would like to work. Ask the recruiter if they recruit centrally. If not, ask for the name of a recruiter in your city of preference.

What to wear? It is a professional event and if you are looking for a full time job, you should communicate how serious you are with the appropriate attire. The job market is very competitive and employers expectations are a bit more conservative than a year ago. If you are a senior, a suit is a must. If you are an undergraduate looking for an internship, slacks and a collared shirt for men and a coordinated sweater/blouse and skirt/slacks will work for women. Remember, you want the employer to hear what you have to offer, not be distracted by your appearance.

The best advice. Attend career fair. Think of it as the ‘Kickoff Classic’ of the job search season. The employers who participate are seeking USC students because of a history of success with alumni as employees. Be prepared to answer a few qualifying questions. Show your interest and energy in your conversation. And, try not to break the recruiter’s hand with too firm a handshake.

Don’t see an employer on the list? It may be that they are still hiring, but not visiting campus this year. Stop by the CPPC and we can help you find an appropriate contact.

The spring career fair is next Thursday. In a challenging economy, what can you do to set yourself apart? Start with your research. Find out who will be attending the fair and develop a plan to ensure you will have time to talk to your target group of employers. If you are not registered on connectSC, register now. Once you are in connectSC, click on the career events icon at the top of the page. Scroll down to career fair and click on the link to search employers. Then click the search button to review an alphabetical list of employers. Develop a priority list including your top five and your top ten. This way you will have time to meet with your selected employers between 10 and 2:30.

Arrive early. Most employers will be there at the opening of the fair. Many will begin leaving by 2. Plan about 15 minutes for each employer to give you time if there is a line or if the employer wishes to have a more extensive conversation. This event is the beginning of the hiring process. Many organizations will bring recent graduates back to campus for this event. If these folks were friends last year, they are employers on this day. Keep it professional, you can socialize later. Often these recent grads will be your best advocate during the hiring process.

Given the downturn in the economy, this will be the most competitive job market in many years. Dress the part. Even if the employers’ attire looks Friday casual, the expectation is that you create a professional image. If you are a senior, you should be in a suit.  As a sophomore or junior, dress in business casual. (slacks and collared shirt for men; skirt, slacks and sweater or blouse for women) Greet each employer with a firm, but not debilitaing handshake. Keep the eye contact and ask for a business card. This will allow you to follow up with a thank you note.

For additional tips on preparing for career fair, check the fall career blogs on this site.

In a survey this month of 78 employers recruiting at USC, 74% indicated they prefer an handwritten, snail mail thank-you as a follow up to an interview or networking meeting. In the past few weeks many of you have had initial interviews with prospective full time employers. Another large group of you met new employers at career fair last week. And most of you participated in an internship this past summer. All of you have the opportunity to craft your thank you.

If you have not already purchased a packet of thank you notes or note cards, head to the bookstore or your local Hallmark store to pick up a few dozen. Yes, you will be sending lots of notes this year. This will set you apart from the competition in this challenging job market.

What do you say in a thank you note? First, do not follow a template. Personalize the note to your experience and the individual connection. If you met someone at a networking event, thank them for the time they spent talking to you and cite a specific piece of advice that you acted upon. Keep the contact information in a file and periodically let this person know what you are doing and how their help was the catalyst to set you on your path.

What if you met someone at career fair and do not remember who you talked to? Stop by the CPPC. We have the contact information. Once you have the recruiters’ name take the time to write a short note. Remind the recruiter of your meeting and mention something about the connection that will create a memory for the them. Maybe you are looking for a position in Chicago and you wanted to follow up for a midwest recruiter contact. Or, they fit you onto a closed interview schedule. Just thank them for taking the time on a busy day to answer your questions.

Have you sent a note to your summer internship employer? Have you kept in touch with your spring internship folks? It is never too late to send a thank you and update people on what you are doing. And, to thank them for helping you figure out what you want to do with your life.

Career Fair is Thursday. It is time for the procrastinators to join in preparing for the Fall Career Fair. Here are a couple of things you should do in the next 48 hours to get ready. First, check your resume. If you would like additional feedback, stop in the the CPPC today and tomorrow. Once you are confident that the resume content and presentation accurately represents your experience, duplicate several copies to bring with you on Thursday. Next, check your wardrobe for the outfit you plan to wear. Do you have a folder or portfolio to hold your resumes? This will work better than searching through a backpack or purse for a folded, battered copy. Also, backpacks can wrinke your outfit.

Take a look in the mirror. Does your outfit cover your tatoos? Have you removed your various body ornaments? Most employers are conservative through the interview process, even if the actual workplace is trendy. You want to be noticed for your professional image. If you get past the gatekeepers you will have many opportunities to display your unique gifts.

Now might be a good time to google yourself. Once you have distributed your resume, you can be sure one of the employers will check your online presence.

For Women Only: It is a long day. You will be walking a lot. You may want to select a lower heel. Trousdale Parkway is not ‘heel friendly’. Large designer bags are the current fashion trend. You may want to select a smaller portfolio and a small shoulder bag. Pantsuits are acceptable. If you choose a traditional suit, be sure your skirt is conservative, just above or mid-knee length. Your skirt should be wider that your handbag. This is an interview, not a dating opportunity.

Review the list of employers attending the fair. Prioritize your top 10 and conduct some preliminary research. Arrive early to ensure you meet the employers in your top ten. Although the career fair is an outdoor ‘festival’ atmosphere, many employers will consider your first contact an interview. Be prepared. Be confident. Good luck!

On September 25th (next Thursday) over 198 employers will be on Trousdale Parkway for the Fall Career Fair. What is a career fair? Who should attend? What should you wear? For the seasoned upperclassmen the career fair is a familiar event each semester. It is the official ‘kick off’ of the recruiting season for both full time jobs and internships.

Think of the career fair as the ‘mall’ of employers. Each organization brings members of their staff to market entry-level positions and internships. These employers are seeking USC hires for their entry-level positions and internships.

All students are welcome to attend. It is a great way to see who is hiring this year. You may discover some new options. As you walk along Trousdale Parkway you can observe how each employer presents their organization and interacts with other students.

If you are a senior, I suggest you wear a suit. You are creating a first impression and you want your professional image to add to your resume. Underclassmen should select ‘business casual’ attire. For men this translates to slacks and a collared shirt, for women, a skirt and blouse or slacks will work. Wear something that adds to your level of confidence.

This is not a day to be shy. The best time to connect with the employers is early in the day. Career Fair starts at 10 and continues until 2:30. Bring along your resume and go up and introduce yourself to the recruiters. If you are thinking about multiple employers, check the list and prioritize the organizations you would like to meet.

The CPPC is hosting a few workshops to help you prepare for the Career Fair. In addition, walk-in appointments are available all day Monday – Wednesday next week. Come in to the CPPC in STU 110 and have one of our advisors review your resume.

What questions do you have as you get ready for the USC Career Fair?