Preparing for career fairs key to success
By Nick Solazzo


According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, each year many graduates face life after college without a job in hand. But the organization also says don't panic because most students either land a job within seven months or opt for grad school. For those still looking for employment, the Career Development Center reminds students how important job fairs can be.

“Students get exposed to an organization and which opportunities are available. They are able to have a personal contact with a particular organization, and I think that is the most important part,” said Lisa August, associate director at the center.

The job market is a highly competitive arena, where many graduates apply for a limited number of positions. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, student preparation is now as important as the actual job fair.

In an article published in the organization's magazine, Ann Voller, director of college relations for May department stores in St. Louis, agreed on the importance of preparation.

“With fewer job offers being extended today as compared to five years ago, each and every exposure to an employer has become even more crucial. Students must be prepared to sell themselves as the best viable candidate,” she wrote.

One of the ways students can prepare is by conducting research on the organization before they start sending out resumes, which could give students a decided edge over their competitors.

“They should do some research ahead of time to see which organizations will be there, learn about the organization, and decide which outcome they would like from the employer,” August said.

Career fairs are a great place for students to meet employers, but how can they get the most out of their experience? Job Choice magazine provided the following tips:

  • Before printing copies of your resume, have others proofread it.
  • Take time before the career fair to find out what companies will be present.
  • Have a game plan and focus on no more than three companies that interest you.
  • Prepare a two – or – three line script.
  • Tell the recruiter your name, your class year, and whether you're interested in a full-time, co-op or internship position.
  • When you give a recruiter your resume, ask what the next step in the process is.

Networking

Networking is the process of making personal contacts to facilitate your job search. The process in not entirely asking about jobs, but it is getting information that may lead to job openings. August says networking is an important strategy a student should use.

“Only 10-20 percent of jobs available at a given time are advertised. That is something we call the ‘hidden job' market,” she said.

The NACE also says when meeting a contact it is important to dress appropriately. Students should dress professionally with women wearing a suit or skirt and jacket, and men wearing a suit or sports jacket and a tie. It is also important to wear shoes that are well maintained because it either shows a candidate pays attention to detail or lets things go.

Several opportunities for students

On Wednesday March 24th , workinsports.com is sponsoring a career fair at HSBC Arena, which will provide students the chance to check out different career opportunities in the sports world. The career fair will run from 4-6 p.m. in the 100 level concourse. Representatives from the following industries will be at the event:

  • Professional sports teams : Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans, Rochester Knighthawks, Jamestown Jammers
  • College athletics : Buffalo State, Medaille College, Niagara University, Canisius College
  • Sports apparel companies : Thurman Thomas Enterprises, Finish Line
  • Community organizations : YMCA of Greater Buffalo
  • Fitness centers : Amherst Pepsi Center, Buffalo Athletic Club, Bally Total Fitness, Buffalo Fitness Center.
  • Sports agencies : Hogan and Willig, PLLC, Delaware North, ProVantage Sports
  • Sports media : Channel 2, Channel 4, Buffalo News

Students will be able to check out the companies' displays, find out which positions are available, submit resumes, ask questions, and network with the professionals.

The cost is $27 per person, and includes a ticket to the career fair, a ticket to that evening's Sabres vs Canadiens game, a dinner buffet from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Backstage club, and a free two-week subscription to workinsports.com. For more information, or to reserve a ticket, contact Sara Corey at 855-4535.

For a look at upcoming career fairs: www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/job-fairs.html

Email: solana23@mail.buffalostate.edu