Career Center Online

		Students gain valuable career information and job contacts at the University of Maine Career Fair. Mark your calendars! UMaine Career Fair Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Student Recreation and Fitness Center 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Other Upcoming Events and Career Fairs Job Web Virtual Career Fair Women for Hire Career Fairs Maine Grad School, Career & Job Fair Information about professional opportunities and career options is provided at career and job fairs by employers who attend these events to meet students and recruit employees. How you participate in a career fair depends upon your current career needs and goals. As a student or alumnus attending a career fair, you may be actively job seeking, gathering career information or developing your network of career contacts. Ask specific questions and be prepared to answer those of employers. What to Learn From Employers Employment trends. Skills necessary for different careers/jobs. Current/future positions. Salary, benefits, training, and other information about the company. Whom to contact for follow-up discussions What Employers May Want to Learn About You Specific career/job objectives. Individual strengths and weaknesses. Contributions you will make to the organization. Make the Most of Your Career Fair Experience Study the advance list of employers and highlight those you are most interested in. Bring plenty of copies of your resume. Have some questions prepared in advance--about the organization, career options, advice for career preparation, internships, etc. Don’t be shy about approaching company representatives.  They want to talk to you.  Introduce yourself in a confident, positive manner; smile, project enthusiasm and offer a firm handshake. Take a notebook and keep track of information you want to remember.  Collect business cards and company literature. If you are or will be seeking employment or internship opportunities over the next year, be sure to have high quality copies of your resume ready to give to any representatives who may be interested in you.Speak to as many employers as possible.  First, try to visit with those you have targeted.  Then talk to others as time permits.  Remember, you are there to learn. Prepare a brief “one-minute commercial” about yourself, your qualifications and career goals.  This is a good way to introduce yourself and get the conversation started.  Be sure to practice beforehand! Be prepared to answer questions about yourself.  Even though it is rare for actual interviews to be conducted during these events, you want to put your best foot forward and make an impression that will be remembered. Be aware of time demands of employers. Do not monopolize their time. Ask specific questions and offer to follow-up after the fair.