TIPS ON PREPARING FOR THE FAIR
- Research participating employers. Starting April 1, check the "Search Participating Employers" page on this site on a periodic basis for updated information on registered employers and the types of jobs they will be recruiting for at the fair.
- See an advisor in Career Services office for assistance in polishing your résumé and bring about 25 copies to give to employers.
- NotifyCareer Services office as soon as possible if you will need accessibility accommodations (e.g. interpreters for deaf or hard-of-hearing students) at the fair.
- Make sure to put your e-mail address on your résumé. If you don't have an e-mail address appropriate for employers, create one for your résumés.
- To take maximum advantage of the fair, arrive early. Remember, admission is not guaranteed if the venue becomes full to capacity.
- To maximize your opportunities for success, be prepared to spend at least two hours at the fair.
- Present yourself positively when you meet with employers! This is when the research you did starts to pay off. Let the recruiter know you understand the organization’s business and briefly explain how your skills and knowledge can benefit the organization’s goals.
- Due to increased security concerns, backpacks, briefcases and carry-alls may be subject to search at the fair. Participants are strongly advised not to bring them to the Javits Center. Use folders or large envelopes for your résumés.
TIPS FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH
- Have a job-search plan and keep good records of your contacts and resources.
- Your résumé is your marketing tool. Make sure it's updated and well presented. Career Services Office can assist you with this.
- Whenever you send out your résumé, be sure to send it with a personalized cover letter that is well written, brief and effectively highlights the strengths you have that are essential for the position you are applying for.
- Don’t limit yourself to one single job-search approach; use different methods and resources such as directories, newspapers, online postings, etc. Also remember that networking is a very effective job-search technique. Use your support systems, including family contacts, friends, past and present internships and employment contacts, etc.
- Thoroughly research an organization before you go for an interview or plan to see its rep at a job fair.
- In an interview, always stress your skills, accomplishments and strengths as they relate to the job you are interviewing for. When you meet with recruiters, have a 30-second to two minute-long pitch about yourself containing the most relevant information you want the interviewer to know.
- Be flexible and have reasonable expectations about the type of organization, position, and salary you are willing to pursue. If you see the possibility that a full-time job opportunity might eventually open for you at a particular organization, you might want to consider taking a temporary or part-time position with that employer in the meantime.
- Relocation should also be an option you fully consider. You may be able to get exactly the kind of job you want by being willing to move. That would give you the kind of work experience you want on your résumé, which in turn could open more doors for you in the future.
- Learn how to deal with rejection in your search and how to learn from it. If you get rejected for a job, use the experience to prepare yourself better next time. Avoid feeling sorry for yourself or blaming others. You should always ask yourself: How can I improve for the next time?
- Contact your college’s Career Services office to get additional information.
For more information, visit http://www.cuny.edu/news/features/bigapplejobfair.html
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