How to Prepare for the 2011 Spring Career Fair

Each year Career Service puts on 3 huge career and internship fairs, with anywhere from 80 to 180 employers looking for CU-Boulder students and recent grads. Get ready, because the Spring Career and Internship Fair is being held this week!

Who: Companies and Professionals for ALL majors and ALL years (yes, even freshmen and sophomores)!

Where: UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom

When: Wednesday & Thursday, January 26 & 27 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

A variety of companies, employers, and professionals will attend the two-day event. This is a perfect opportunity to network and learn about possible internship and job opportunities. With so many professionals and possible opportunities it is important to come prepared. Use the following tips to make the most out of the 2011 Spring Career Fair!

1. Dress for Success! The atmosphere of the fair will be like any other job fair – professional! Treat this like an interview and dress in business professional attire. This is your opportunity to make a good first impression so make one that lasts. Remember, it is always better to OVER dress rather than UNDER dress!

2. Research the companies in attendance. Career Services has provided a list of companies coming to the fair each day. There are completely different companies attending each day! Please review these lists and choose several you are interested in talking to. Then once you get to the fair you won’t waste too much time figuring out the relevant companies you would like to visit with. Remember, if the company doesn’t list your major specifically, it’s ALWAYS worth talking to the recruiter to inquire about positions that may fit your skills and/or personality. This is a chance to sell yourself. Read through the list of companies attending both days of the fair here.

3.Bring your resume and cover letter. Make sure you bring your necessary professional documents to the fair with you: resume, cover letter, business cards, and a winning attitude. This is your opportunity to find companies you would like to intern or work for and give them your information to look at. Submitting your resume/cover letter at the fair gives you an automatic advantage since the professionals are already meeting you before reviewing your application. With a good impression and resume you have a great chance of finding an incredible opportunity. Even if you are slightly interesting in a company or position, give them your resume! It never hurts and the benefits could be really rewarding! If they tell you that they can’t or aren’t accepting resumes and to apply online, always do so right away. They’re not trying to brush you off, so definitely don’t get discouraged. For some companies, the only way they can accept resumes is online; this is due to EOE employment law. Don’t give up, just go online as soon as you can and apply.

We hope these tips help you get prepared and ready for an incredible 2 day fair! For more details on the Career Fair and to view employer profiles and positions they’re recruiting for, log into our CSO Website from our website: http://careerservices.colorado.edu.