This semester’sCareer and Internship Fair, held jointly with O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, is just around the corner on September 25.
If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and nervous butterflies, you’re not alone. Career fairs are a great opportunity to connect face-to-face with potential employers, explore career options, and make lasting impressions, though they can also be a bit nerve-wracking. To make it a little easier for you, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to preparing for any career fair so you can make new career connections with confidence.
Be resume ready 📄
Making sure your resume is top-notch is a great place to start. After making a first draft,drop into the Career Studioto have a professionally trained peer coach help you polish and perfect it. The studio is open at Ernie Pyle Hall Monday through Thursday from 12-3 p.m., or online by appointment between 7-10 p.m.
When it’s good to go, upload your resume to Handshake. Recruiters who attend IU career fairs can follow up with you on this go-to platform for job opportunities and career related events. It’s important to make sure your profile represents your best self.
Don’t forget a classic move — print out a few hard copies. You may need to make a quick reference, or hand a copy to someone you meet at the fair.
Ask the right questions 🙋
When you’re connecting with employers, asking insightful questions shows you’re genuinely interested and serious about your job or internship search.Look at the question ideas on our website for examples. Tailoring your questions to each employer can make a great impression, while giving you valuable information to guide your decisions.
Download the Handshake App 📲
Want to navigate the career fair like a pro? Download the Handshake app! This app is a must for career-fair ease, as it speeds up the check-in process andlets you see which employers will be attending. Plus, you can access a map of Alumni Hall and the Solarium to find out where each employer’s table is located. This way, you can plan your route and make the most of your time at the event.
Be pitch perfect 🗣️
Mastering your pitch can make a difference in how you’re perceived by employers. Prepare a 15 second elevator pitch that covers:
·Who you are:major, interests, year in school
·What you offer:highlight your experience and skills
·What you’re looking for:this is a good opportunity to show tailored interest in the company!
·A follow-up question:engage them further with a question about the company or role.
Get coached (first-timers get a gift!) 🧑💻
Before the big day, considermeeting with a career coach. They can help you prioritize your goals, investigate potential employers, and frame your mindset going into the career fair. Plus, they can offer networking tips and help you brainstorm questions to ask specific companies. A little coaching can go a long way in making you feel confident and prepared.
College of Arts + Sciences students receive a free padfolio at their first career coaching appointment. These are super handy for notetaking and keeping the copies of your resume crisp.
Register for the Career + Internship Fair 📆
Don’t forget to register for the career and internship fair! Mark your calendar and bring a friend.
College of Arts + Sciences and O’Neill Career and Internship Fair
📆 Wednesday, September 25
⏰ 2-6 PM
📍 Alumni Hall + Solarium in the IMU
This event is open to allIndiana University Bloomingtonstudents. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all majors and career focuses in theIU College of Arts and Sciences. So, get registered, get prepared, and get ready to make those valuable connections.
Best of luck with your career fair preparation! See you around the Walter Center soon. 👋✨