Career Expo 2009 | Job Seekers

What to Wear on Career Expo Day

Dress as if you are going on a job interview. Go conservative.

Suits are best
- 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. Shoes should be no more than 2 inches.

EVERYONE
- Closed toes shoes.
- Limit jewelry, cover tattoos and avoid cologne or perfume.
- No gum. Bring breath mints.

See what employers had to say about what real job seekers were wearing... www.ndsu.edu/careercenter/dfssite/index.php

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.
• Questions to ask each employer (from QuintCareers.com) 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

• Clarify your goals. What do you hope to get out of the job fair?
• 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.
• Body language is important: control nervous habits like fidgeting.
• Answer the recruiters' questions clearly and concisely. Don't ramble.
• Collect business cards. Write follow-up letters to employers who interest you.
• Unsure about any of the above? Just contact the Lakeland Career Services staff for help.

Job Search Workshops

Three special Career Expo Prep Workshops are being held the week of October 26-30, 2009 to help you "Write a Great Resume", "Sell Your Skills to Employers" and learn great tips for "Job Fair Success". Click here to see the Career Expo Job Fair Prep workshop calendar. Pre-registration for the workshops is required.) NOTE: Workshops on Resume Writing, Cover Letter Preparation, Interviewing, and Creative Ways to Find a Job are also offered every month of the year.

List of Employers Attending the 2009 Career Expo

(frequently updated - check back!) Last updated: October 14, 2009

List of Sample Positions/Fields
Available at the 2009 Career Expo

(A detailed list of job titles will be listed here November 7, 2009)

Photos of Lakeland's 2008 Career Expo -
700 job seekers attended!

(To make the best impression on this year's employers, follow all the hints above and attend the free Career Expo Prep Workshops October 26-30, 2009. Pre-registration required.)

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