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What to Wear on Career Expo Day

Dress professionally, as if you are going on a job interview, to make a positive first impression.

Suits are best to wear:
- Black, brown, charcoal, gray or navy
- Pressed shirt/blouse and pants/skirt

MEN - Ties are a nice addition and should complement the outfit, not overwhelm with loud colors or cartoon characters.

LADIES - Skirts should be longer than finger tips when standing. High heels should be no more than 2 inches.

EVERYONE - Closed toe shoes are a must, make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking and standing for some time.
- Limit jewelry, cover tattoos and avoid cologne or perfume.
- No gum. Bring breath mints and consume these before meeting with recruiters.

What to Bring

• 25 clean copies of your resume on quality bond paper to hand out. However, don't be alarmed if some recruiters refer you to their website to apply online.
• A portfolio/briefcase to hold the resumes, a legal pad, and a quality pen to write down contacts and notes from each encounter.
• A business/networking card to distribute to employers.
• Questions to ask each employer like:
  
  
  • What kinds of skills and experience do you look for in the employees you hire?
  • Which courses or experiences do you suggest to be a successful candidate?
  • What kind of entry-level positions (or internships) exist within your organization?
  • Does your company hire on a continual basis or just at certain times of the year?
  • What is your organization's culture like?
  • What made you choose this company and why do you stay?

Job Seeker Success Tips

• Decide on a plan and some goals for the career expo; what do you hope to get out of it and how can you make the most effective use of your time?
• Check our website often for an updated list of employers attending. Identify those you are interested in and check their websites to do some basic research on the companies and their hiring needs.
• Visit with as many recruiters as possible - even if you don't see many companies planning to recruit in your major specifically, sometimes there are "hidden" opportunities if you ask.
• Prepare a one-minute "commercial" that introduces yourself, telling the employer a little about your professional qualifications, and why you are interested in exploring a career with them.
• Practice the "commercial" ahead of time, and the questions you would like to ask the employers.
• Dress and act professionally.
• At the event, review the list of attending companies so you can organize your time efficiently.
• Show interest and enthusiasm by smiling and speaking clearly. Provide recruiters with a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact.
• Body language is important: control nervous habits like fidgeting and be aware of your non-verbal behaviors.
• Answer the recruiters' questions clearly and concisely. Don't ramble. Take every opportunity to highlight your skills and qualifications for the position.
• Collect business cards from the recruiters. Write follow-up letters/make phone calls to employers who interest you.
• Unsure about any of the above? Just contact the Lakeland Career Services staff for help.
• Join us for our Career Expo Blitz Week Workshops from October 24-28 to learn more tips for Career Expo success!

Career Expo Prep Workshops

Week of October 24-28, 2011
Be ready and confident for our big Nov. 9th Career Expo!

Write a Great Resume Mon. Oct. 24, 5-7pm or Fri. Oct. 28, 9-11am
Sell Your Skills to Employers Tues. Oct. 25, 5-6pm or Fri. Oct. 28, 11:30am-12:30pm
Job Fair Success Tues. Oct. 25, 6-7pm or Fri. Oct. 28, 12:45-1:45pm

Attend 1 or all 3 workshops. Registration required! Call us at (440) 525-7222!

List of Employers Attending the 2011 Career Expo

What a Job Fair Looks Like

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