Prepare for the Spring Career and Internship Fair this Wednesday!

Looking for a job or internship? Over 130 employers will be available to talk to students at CU's Spring Career and Internship Fair this Wednesday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in UMC 235, Aspen Rooms, The Gallery and the Glenn Miller Ballroom. Make sure you're adequately prepared by following as many of these simple tips as you can!

• Register for Career Services Online. If you register in enough time, you'll get a printed nametag at the fair. In addition, you can upload your resume so that recruiters can view it as well as search for jobs and internships through our search database that is only available to CU students and alumni! 
• Update and print your resume. Read over your resume, add any new information, read over it again in order to catch any errors, and then have a friend proofread it before you print off multiple copies of the final version to bring to the career fair. You can also get your resume critiqued by actual recruiters on Monday, January 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. in UMC 235.
• Print off business cards. If you already have some business cards; great, but if not, don't stress! Career Services has some free templates you can use. Simply enter in your own information, print them off on card stock, and you're all set!
• Research the companies you're interested in. Recruiters are constantly telling Career Services' staff members that they can tell when students have taken the time to learn about their company. Check out the list of employers attending the Career Fair along with positions they're recruiting for and then visit the websites of the companies you're interested in. This way, you can learn more about how each company was founded, their ideals and values, and positions they're hiring for. A question recruiters like to ask during job interviews is why you're interested in their company rather than its competitors, so think about this as you gather information on their company and talk to employers at the fair.
• Get tips from recruiters before the fair. Want to know what makes job or internship candidates memorable in a recruiter's mind? Find out about recruiters' preferences and pet peeves at Recruiters Tell All on Tuesday, January 24 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Room S350 in the Center for Community. Recruiters will give their opinions on everything from the career fair to interviewing to salary negotiation.
• Get your folder and outfit together. Stick your copies of your resume, business cards, any research or notes you printed out, blank paper, pens, and your BuffOne card into a folder or small binder that you can easily carry around. On the day of the fair, leave your backpack at home. If you have one, wear a nice suit to the Career Fair, or a nice blazer and khaki or dress pants.
• Practice your elevator pitch. What would you say if you were in an elevator for 30 seconds with a recruiter from the company you want to work for? What would you say if a recruiter said, "Tell me about yourself"? Look at your resume, think about your major, skills and work/internship experiences, then put together a short, 30-second elevator pitch you can tell employers once you've shaken their hand and introduced yourself. When I'm at the career fair networking with an employer, I'll walk up, say “hello,” shake his/her hand, then give my elevator pitch but end on a note that explains my interest in their company; if you know the company is recruiting for a certain position and you're interested in it, mention that! Check out these example elevator pitches to get ideas as you craft your own.

Finally, make sure to get a good night's rest the night before, and we'll see you at the Spring Career Fair and Internship Fair! It’s the largest career fair of the spring semester so don’t miss it!