6 Things to Do Before Career Fair
By: Kelsey Cheng ‘25
Want to land an internship? This year’s Spring Career Fair is on February 24th, now in person! Employers from all industries participate to recruit for full-time, part-time, and paid internship opportunities. Take a look at this checklist to make sure you get the most out of the day!
Credit: usc.edu
Choose you attire!
The dress code is business formal. Some of us have experience in “dressing for success”, others don’t know how to tie a tie (I’m in the latter category). So, here are some general guidelines:
Dress in neutral colors, like black, navy, or gray
Wear a blazer and a light-colored dress shirt
Wear trousers or a skirt at or below the knees
Wear formal shoes that you can easily walk around in (e.g. loafers, flats, or a low heel)
Accessories should not be distracting
Bring a non-bulky bag and a folder
Don’t have these items? Ask your friends or head over to the local Goodwill. You do NOT need to drop a fortune to look professional.
Remember, these are GENERAL guidelines, and often these guidelines vary depending on the event and industry. If it was up to me, I think strict codes should take a back seat so we can focus on the important thing: the applicant. However, in the professional world, your appearance is a factor for better or for worse. What matters most is that you wear something that you are CONFIDENT and COMFORTABLE in so your personality can shine.
Prepare your resume!
Credit: Indeed.com
Update your resume with your past job experiences, exciting extracurricular activities, and cool independent projects. Make sure to bring copies of your resume to the Career Fair too!
DO:
Check out VMock, an online resume review tool. USC also has great resources regarding resume templates.
Use Harvard’s list of action verbs to clearly highlight your accomplishments.
Quantify (ex. How many students did you watch over at your summer camp counseling job?)
Use spellcheck. Please.
DON’T:
Insert fancy graphics, a picture, or use fancy fonts. Stick to the plain resume format because it’s easier to read and is ATS-friendly.
Include your middle school volunteer hours. Stick to recent and relevant experiences.
Do your research!
This career fair is hosting 103 employers! Some big-name companies include Amazon, Deloitte, and Guess! I also spotted employers in the education industry (Hawthorne School District, LAUSD), non-profits (Holding Hands Inc, Changeist), and medical industry (Harvard MedTech, USC Pathology). Whatever career pathway you are on, the career fair has something for you. Before visiting the booths, research a handful of companies that you are interested in. By getting to know the company’s mission and history, employers are more likely to notice you.
Interview tips!
Credit: Thebalancesmb.com
Prepare your elevator pitch, a short introduction about yourself. What’s your educational background? Relevant experience? Long-term career goals? Practice in front of a mirror so your delivery is smooth and natural. When it comes to talking with employers, remember that they’re people too! Sure, this is a career fair, but don’t be afraid to insert your personality. Be honest, respectful, and enthusiastic.
Be yourself and know yourself. You already have the awesome skills and experience — now it’s time to let employers know! It’s easy to be overwhelmed, but take a deep breath and embrace the nerves. Whether you get an internship or not, the career fair is a great way to practice your interviewing skills and network with recruiters.
Note: Make sure to have a refillable water bottle, TrojanCheck/proof of vaccination, and wear a medical-grade face mask.
Remember: 2022 Spring Career Fair is on February 24th, on Truesdale Pkwy from 10 AM-2 PM. Also, RSVP on ConnectSC before going! It’s the best place to search for new work opportunities and connect with employers. Cya there!
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