Employment Guide: Pitt to hold career fair in Pete

So now that Part One of the plan — getting into college — is done, it’s now time for Part… So now that Part One of the plan — getting into college — is done, it’s now time for Part Two — getting a job.

Despite the recession and the rumors surrounding the current job market, getting a job may not be as impossible as it seems.

There are people, places and events here to help. Pitt counselors say the very first thing you need to consider when starting down the job trail, is the Fall Career Fair at the Petersen Events Center this coming Thursday.

Before you start to think, “Oh, the Career Fair. That isn’t for me,” and turn the page, reconsider by coming to understand the common misconceptions about the Career Fair as well as some tips given to us by workers in the  Career Development Office and the Office of Student Employment and Placement Assistance.

1. “The fair is just for Business or Marketing majors.” This common belief is utterly and completely false. Any major can find applicable areas at the Career Fair.

2. “Only seniors and juniors need apply.”  No matter what year you are in school, counselors say you should go. The fair isn’t just for seniors or juniors. The fair offers access to alumni and graduate schools and offers a great opportunity to network — one of the most important aspects of your life after college. This year’s Career Fair will have a networking area specifically designed for those not currently looking for jobs.

3. “There is nothing there for me.”  Just because your career goals don’t apply to the businesses at the fair doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. Open your eyes to more possibilities and increased exposure to the real world that awaits you after college.

4. “I am not looking for a job, why should I go?” The Career Fair is for more than just people looking for a job. In addition to these factors, the Career Fair is also a true reflection of the job market today, and students with a major but without a career path in mind should attend the Fair. You can learn what your major has to offer in terms of the marketplace and paths for you to follow.

So now you’ve decided to go to the Career Fair — a wise choice. But wait, now what? You can’t walk in unprepared and empty-handed. Here are some steps and tips you can use in order to prepare for the Career Fair.

The Career Development Office, located at 224 William Pitt Union, should be your first stop. The CDO offers career counseling, resumé critiquing and interviewing practice sessions. They have walk-in advising, advising by appointment and even a plethora of online options at their website (careers.pitt.edu) that include electronic resumé reviews and online chats.

After your time at the CDO you can head down the hall to 200 William Pitt Union and into the Office of Student Employment and Placement Assistance, better known as SEPA.

Next, you should start doing your homework. SEPA posts a list of all the companies that are going to be at the fair on their website (hire.pitt.edu) in advance. Find out what companies you plan on visiting, and look into ones that sound interesting and learn what they do. Knowledge about your potential employer will not only impress them in interviews, it will help you decide what employers are best for you.

After you’ve done the research, made a list and possibly checked it twice, it’s time to print out that resumé you had checked. Print out enough to cover all the companies you are potentially interested in, and then print a bunch more. It’s never a bad idea to have more resumés than you need.

Now it’s time to prep your clothes. Yes, how you dress is important. By having your clothes ready a night or two beforehand, you’ll avoid last-second wardrobe malfunctions. Recommended dress is business attire for all seniors and business casual for all others.

Finally, it’s time to prepare a 30-second introduction. As Associate Director of the Career Development Office Barbara Juliussen put it, “When you go up to an employer at the job fair, you want to be the first to speak. You want to extend your hand, look them in the eye, smile and introduce yourself and give them information about you.”

When you introduce yourself, you should include information such as your year, major, areas of interest, skills and experiences in related areas. This will help employers remember who you are better than a resumé can.

After the Fair is over, remember to follow up. This will leave a lasting impression and remind employers who you are.

Finally, there are also some don’ts for all you worriers out there — a small list of things you should avoid at all costs.

Don’t come in jeans. Yes, they’re comfortable, and you may think they look nice, but employers will take note.

Don’t wear heavy fragrances or distracting jewelry.

Don’t chew gum. Especially at an interview.

Don’t rush. Take your time and survey the land. Really talk to people and use your networking skills.

Don’t have high expectations. You likely will not hear back from every company you submit a resumé to.

And don’t expect a job offer right away. Companies have a process of evaluation, so be patient.