Before the Event:

1. Pick out an outfit so you can dress to impress!

While there is no dress code to attend this event, if you are serious about looking for opportunities and networking, wearing an outfit that is professional and helps you feel confident is important! If you need an outfit but cannot afford one, Career Services will be hosting a Career Services Center Pop-Up on Mon Sept 9 from 10:30am – 7:30pm that will feature our Career Closet. The Career Closet is a FREE resource to all current NS students that provides FREE career appropriate clothing to students for them to keep!

2. Get your resume updated and reviewed and print off at least 5 copies!

Bring at least 5 copies of your updated resume to share with employers if actively searching for jobs/internships or want to be considered for future opportunities. You can get your resume reviewed with a Career Advisor – see Prepare with a Career Advisor dropdown above for more info.

At the Event:

1. Bring some kind of folder or bag

This will allow you to have a place to save information sheets and business cards (and to keep your resumes wrinkle-free).

2. Introduce yourself with a handshake (if comfortable).

Handshakes are a long-standing tradition in networking events such as the Expo. If an employer goes to shake your hand and you are uncomfortable with shaking hands due to health concerns, just let them know and offer to elbow tap instead to prevent the spreading of germs.

3. Challenge yourself to talk to as many employers as possible. 

You never know what kind of connection you could make or if you could meet your mentor.

4. Be ok with being uncomfortable!

We know it can be nerve wracking to walk up and introduce yourself, but it’ll never get better unless you try. These employers have also been in your shoes before and want to connect with you which they can’t do unless you talk to them.

After the Event:

1. Follow-up with recruiters.

If you were able to collect some business cards or other contact information, it is best practice to send a follow-up email within 48-72 hours to say thank you for taking the time to speak with you. This shows the employer you are serious and keeps you in their mind for upcoming opportunities!

2. Meet with a Career Advisor

If you found some opportunities at the event you want to apply for, we recommend meeting with one of our Career Advisors to discuss next steps such as creating a resume (if you didn’t already), a cover letter and reviewing your interview skills.

General Dos and Donts:

• DONT bring a resume that is several pages long; remember that your resume is your commercial — not your autobiography. A carefully crafted resume illustrates your ability to showcase your strongest qualities and experiences that are of interest to employers.
• DONT text or scroll on your phone while interacting with employers.
• DONT avoid eye contact or speak quietly; speak clearly and distinctly. There will be lots of background noise. If eye contact makes you uncomfortable, look at the recruiter’s nose. No one will know the difference.

Networking Opportunities – Did you know that over 50% of all job offers come through networking? Even if you aren’t currently looking for a job or internship, the Career Expo is a great place to network and begin making connections in your career field of interest. Talking with employers will give you the opportunity to hear their expert advice on how to stand out in your field, how to make yourself a competitive applicant to openings at their company or similar companies, and serve as a resource for future career field insights.

Learn About Job & Internship Opportunities in Your Career Field – Most industries have multiple entry level opportunities. The Expo is a chance to explore these entry level options and to talk with employers about what makes an ideal employee for those positions. You may also find some less than obvious job opportunities that would fit your education and goals.

Get Comfortable Presenting Your Professional Image – The first time you walk up to a potential employer, you will feel a bit nervous. For some, it may be the hardest thing they have ever done. You need to get comfortable with introducing yourself and distributing your resume. Each time you approach an employer, you get more comfortable presenting yourself in a professional manner. If you get an interview through an online job search, you need to be able to present yourself in a professional manner – and the Expo is a great place to practice that.

Land a Job or Internship – If you make a good impression, you may end up with an interview right on the spot. Even if they don’t interview you immediately, they will take your resume and get back to you at a later time; The more contacts you make, the more opportunities you will have to land a job or internship. Additionally, many students who attend this event, and especially those who meet with Career Services to prepare before the event to have their resumes reviewed and receive interview advice, will walk away with interviews scheduled!

We will be doing a random prize drawing to give away two (2)  ‘New Professional Kits’ and one (1) $75 Amazon Gift Card to those individuals who RSVP & ATTEND the Expo. Winners will be randomly selected within 1 week after the event and contacted directly to coordinate prize pick-up.

CONDITIONS:

• Prizes are limited to current NS students and alumni.
• Individuals must RSVP prior and attend the event to be considered for the random prize drawings.
• Winners will be contacted directly to pick up their prize. Prizes will need to be picked up ON-CAMPUS – no exceptions.