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!

CU Just In Time Hiring and Internship Fair

If you have not found a full-time job or summer internship, this is your opportunity to connect with employers that are still hiring. All employers will have opportunities for internships and/or full-time positions. Remember, the fair is open only to CU-Boulder students and alumni - IDs will be checked at the door.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 13th 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:  UMC 235

COST: FREE!

Here are a few tips to get you ready for the 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.

4. Prepare your introduction questions and “Elevator Pitches”! Sometimes it can be intimidating to approach employers at a fair, but the best way to feel comfortable is to practice an opening pitch line. Elevator pitches can be both personal and professional depending on the situation. In this case – using a professional pitch may be your best option. A professional elevator pitch includes your career aspirations, college major, and educational activities, projects and experiences.

5. Bring a notepad! Whenever you are networking, interviewing, or attending a career fair it is important to note that you will be bombarded with useful information that may be hard to remember. Taking notes is the best way to stay organized with this information and remember everything that is said!

For more tips visit the CU Career Services Website as well as your CSO Account. You can also find more information about preparing for the fair and companies attending within the following PDF Document.
Good Luck!

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.