IPFW Mastodon Job and Internship Fair Sept. 23

Find the list of participating employers at www.ipfw.edu/jobzone!

The Hidden Job Search Checklist

Job Searching can be a very overwhelming and sometimes very frustrating, especially in a slow economy! Of course many know about the importance of updating their resume, brushing up on their interview skills, and creating a cover letter. However, there are many steps that one should take when job searching that are commonly missed. Below is a list of four steps, commonly missed by applicants, that when completed can help you find a job!

• Have a record keeping system- Track all calls, names, notes taken from meetings and phone calls, resumes sent, interviews, etc.
• Keeping records will help you to keep track of who you've talked to and your standing in the application process with each employer. 

• Practice your "reason for leaving" speech.
• Explain what happened without mocking your previous employer. 

• Attend a professional networking event. 
• Talk to others about your job search. They may be able to connect you with someone who's looking for someone with your talent! 

• Prepare short, written versions of your biography.
• These are useful for emails, job search websites, etc. 

Thinking Like an Interviewer

The Seven Point Plan
adapted from The Perfect Interview by Max Eggert

Preparing for an upcoming job interview?  During your preparation, take some time to think from the perspective of the interviewer.  If you'll be meeting with someone from Human Resources, it's likely they've had some training on how to conduct interviews.  The following seven points illustrate the areas interviewers are likely to examine during interviews with potential job candidates.

1. Attainment:  Do you meet the academic and professional experience qualifications? Does your experience make you the right person to be successful in the position?

2. Disposition: What is your personality like?  How will your personality affect the fulfillment of the open position? 

3. Special Aptitudes: Do you have any special aptitudes/competencies/talents that would benefit the company or position?

4. Interests: How do you spend your spare time/money?  What might this say about your potential to be motivated and successful in the position?

5. General Intelligence: How intelligent are you?  How will your intelligence be used in the position?

6. Physical Aspects: Do you have the appropriate health, build, and physical stamina to successfully fulfill the open position?

7. Circumstances: What effects have your personal circumstances had on your career development and success?  How will current and future circumstances affect your performance if selected for the position? 

By thinking through these concepts before the interview, you'll be better prepared to answer questions that may seem completely irrelevant but really examine one of the seven different areas.  Once you understand what the interviewer is looking for, you'll be able to provide an answer that summarizes your experiences and demonstrates that you're the right person for the job.

Want more information about interviewing? Interested in doing a mock interview? Contact IPFW Career Services at (260) 481-0689 or come to Kettler Hall Room 109 to schedule an appointment with a career counselor.  Drop-in availability: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm.   

Mock Interviews: Practice Makes Perfect!

Soon-to-be grad? Ready to obtain a full-time postion but anxious about the interviewing process? Why not schedule an appointment for a mock interview with a Career Services staff member?

What is a mock interview?


One of three interviewing rooms available
 through IPFW Career Services

A mock interview is a practice interview and a good place to make mistakes and learn interviewing strategies. A Career Services staff member will try to make the mock interview as realistic as possible by role playing the employer and asking typical interview questions. Mock interviews can be taped so that you can see and hear yourself being interviewed. After going through the typical interview questions, the staff member will review your answers with you and give you feedback and suggestions on how to ace your next interview!

Why do a mock interview?

• Practice makes perfect! A mock interview gives you the practice you need.
• Increase your odds of getting the job.
• Gain confidence, and more importantly, the knowledge and interview skills you need to sail throught the interviewing process.
• Idenitfy two or three of your top selling points and determine how to illustrate them in an interview.
• Practice your interviewing skills in a safe place and gain valuable feedback.

Ready to schedule a mock interview? Call IPFW Career Services today!

Job Fair Success

Our job fairs are the largest events we organize at the office of Career Services. We already have 80 employers signed up for the NICE Career Fair. From our experience running these massive events, we've come up with a few suggestions for improving job fair success for students.

Dress Appropriately: One of the most common complaints we get from recruiters is that students don't dress appropriately for our events. Don't let an overly casual appearance detract from your qualifications!

Do Your Research: We post the list of attending employers weeks in advance of our career fairs. Doing prior research on employers of interest will provide you with two benefits. First, you'll come off as more prepared and professional when you speak with employers and second, you'll be less overwhelmed by the number of recruiters available to talk to if you know ahead of time who your target contacts are.

Prepare a Resume, But Don't Be Disappointed if a Recruiter Asks You to Apply Online: There are some anti-discrimination related federal guidelines that prevent larger companies from taking paper resumes from students. If a recruiter asks you to apply online do so and be sure to remind them that you met at the job fair.

Follow-Up: Ask employers 'What's the best way to follow-up with you?' THEN DO IT. Send thank-you notes to employers with whom you met.

Attend the Job Fair Prep Sessions: Take advantage of the drop-in assistance Career Services offers the Monday and Tuesday (April 9^th and 10^th) before the job fair. You can bring in a copy of your resume and get advice on what to wear and how to introduce yourself to employers.
The NICE Career Fair is Wednesday, April 11^th, 1pm-5pm, in the new International Ballroom in Walb.

Passive Job Search VS Assertive Job Search

Passive Job Search VS Assertive Job Search

I have met many people who tell me that they have send out 20, 50, even over 100 resumes and they have not landed an interview yet. I understand their frustration. It takes a lot of time and energy, not to mention some money, to market yourself when you are looking for the next, or the first, opportunity.

I will not give you something easier to do. In fact, I am going to give you something more time consuming and more difficult to do. With that said, with strategic effort and commitment, hard work pays off. The key words, strategic and commitment. Hard work is worth it if there are results.

I want you to think of your job search in a different way. When I used to manage sales teams and I had people who were struggling month after month to meet their goals this is what I would challenge them to do:

“Forget about your sales goals and quotas. What I want to know four weeks from now is not how many sales you closed, but how many you opened. I don’t even want to know how many sales calls you made. All I want to know is how many new friends you made. Intentional friends, but friends non-the-less.”

From intentional friends come opportunities. Your job search is the same way. When sales people get stressed about the lack of sales, they panic and try so hard that they overcompensate and lose potential sales. When job seekers get frustrated they sometimes try too hard and seem too desperate. They lose interviews and job offers.

So, what are you to do if you are sending out resume after resume and not getting an interview? Well, keep doing what you have always done and you will always get what you always got. Change it up.

The passive job search is when a job seeker waits for some action to happen and then they react to that action. This is usually what people do when they are job searching. They wait until a job is posted and then apply for it. I encourage you to do this as a tool in your job search tool belt. But I would encourage you to have a few different tools. Right tool for the right job as my Grandfather used to say.

The assertive job search is making a prospect list, identifying the decision-makers, and creating a plan to make some intentional friends. Remember, the decision-makers know what they are planning two, three, and six months ahead. Many jobs today are not published. They are filled before they get published. This is called the “hidden job market”. As a job seeker, you need to tap into this market.

When I was a hiring manager I would meet people who I thought would be a good addition to my team if I had an opening. I would keep their information and when I had an opening I would go to my file drawer where I kept this information and start calling.

My challenge to you, get in as many files drawers as you possibly can, don’t quit, and realize rejection is part of the process. Seriously, every no does lead to a yes. And one good yes is all you need.

Good luck in your job hunt.

3 Rivers Federal Credit Union- Young & Free Indiana

3 Rivers Federal Credit Union- Be the Young & Free Indiana Spokester!

3Rivers credit union was on the IPFW campus today looking for a young, creative, social-media savvy person for a once in a lifetime opportunity. The job comes with some sweet tech gear including a MacBook Pro, HD video camera and 30k a year. If you missed this opportunity to talk to them, go to YoungFreeIndiana.com for more information!

It's Job Fair Season.... IPFW students gain interviews!

Our office, IPFW Career Services, recently hosted a job fair with over 50 companies and employers in attendance!

We assisted students and alumni during the days leading up to the job fair with resume preparations, what to wear, and how to introduce themselves at the fair.  They must have listened because many students left with interviews later that day or throughout the next week!  One employer scheduled 15 interviews with students for the following week, while 3 other employers stayed at IPFW after the fair to conduct interviews with students.

For the students/alumni who did not get interviews yet, there are a few possible reasons...

1. You were instructed to complete an on-line application with the company. This may have been frustrating, but your attendance at the job fair was not worthless. These companies expect you to follow through with their instructions and also follow-up with the recruiter by email, letter, or phone. On-line applications are a common practice for many employers, and remember they came to campus for a reason and it was to meet you and hopefully get some leads for potential interviews.
2. You did not dress professionally. Yes, I saw some students with skateboards, large backpacks, jeans/ sweatpants, t-shirts, and the like at the job fair. Not the best first impression when meeting someone who could potentially hire you. But, not all is lost. Don't forget to follow up!
3. You didn't come prepared to network. Part of a job fair is networking and presenting yourself in a professional manner through proper communication. The number one response we heard from employers was, "it's now time to teach the students how to talk to employers." Did you start the conversation with something like, "What do you do?" Probably not the best way to draw the employer into talking with you. Next time try starting with introducing yourself (name, major, year in school, etc.) and then why you're interested in talking to that company. This means you need to research the companies before the day of the fair. But, not all is lost... follow up with the employers you met at the fair to further communicate your interest.

Are you noticing a theme to follow-up with the employers? Well, you did grab business cards, or at least wrote down the recruiters' names, right? If you didn't there is a back-up resource. Come by Career Services, Kettler Hall 109 on IPFW's campus, and inquire about the names of recruiters who attended. We can help get you back on-track. Following up is key to making a good impression, especially if the first one wasn't your best. Write a professional letter or email, or prepare for a professional phone conversation.  Career Services can help with this too!


THERE IS ANOTHER JOB FAIR! Try again on Thursday, April 14th from 1-5pm at Indiana Tech's Andorfer Commons. All local college students and alumni are welcome to attend this job fair, NICE Expo. This fair is focused more towards professional full-time degreed positions and internships. CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF ATTENDING COMPANIES! Don't forget to do your research and come prepared to network!

Job Searching in a Tight Economy Workshop for IPFW Seniors and Alumni

Job Searching in a Tight Economy Workshop for IPFW Seniors and Alumni

If you are an IPFW Senior or Alumni and have faced, or are facing termination, a layoff, downsizing or just want a career change or advice on your job search, this FREE workshop is for you!

IPFW Neff 101 - Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Presentation 11:30am -1:15pm

Computer Lab 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Computer Lab NF B41
*Career Counselors available during the computer lab to assist with resumes and cover letters.

RSVP: Call IPFW Career Services at (260) 481-0689

DESPERATE TIMES CALLS FOR DESPERATION?

As a career counselor I talk to a number of job seekers, students, alumni, and community members alike, that can and have come to a desperation point during their job search of: "I just want a job, any job!" I understand the need to pay the bills but the appearance of desperation to potential employers is not going to get you the job. Employers don't hire the candidate that needs the job the most, but can sell their skills the best.

Two Reasons for Desperation

1. Must fulfill basic needs first: Most everyone has learned about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in psychology class and I'm here to say there is abundant truth in his theory. Maslow states that for someone to move up the needs pyramid he/she must first fulfill the basic bottom elements, with the most basic being physiological and security. Physiological are needs basic to survival like water, food, shelter, etc. Safety needs are usually the needs that inhibit job seekers, and the most common of those needs would be job security. It's difficult to focus on career goals (Self-actualizing need) when you don't know how you're going to pay the electricity bill.
2. No professional goals established: All too often people take their career development "one step at a time" with the idea that they'll figure out what they want to do later. The only problem is that when 'later' arrives they still don't know what career they want to pursue and time's running short before money runs out, which leads to desperation for a job-any job.

So how can you prevent the desperation from occurring? Consider personal investigation to determine what types of careers will match you best. Then brand yourself by choosing internships, volunteer opportunities, student organizations, networking groups, and professional associations that match your chosen career focus.

Values – How do your values rank? Out of the following values, which one(s) are most important to you? Which ones are you willing to compromise? Do your values conflict with your career goals?

• Advancement • Benefits • Challenge • Choice of Environment
• Competition • Creativity • Diversity • Compatible Co-workers

• Easy Commute • Excitement • Family Life • Contribution to Society

• Flexible Hours • High Earnings • Independence • Leadership
• Leisure Time • Prestige/Status • Rewards • Moral Fulfillment

• On the Job Training • Security • Travel • Power/Influence

• Variety

Interests – The easiest way to explain interests is through John Holland’s theory which categorizes work interests into 6 categories: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Which categories do you identify with most?

• Realistic: People who like to work with their hands, be outdoors, and/or have tangible accomplishments at the end of the day. Examples include farmers, naturalists, auto mechanics, engineer technologists, athletes, etc.
• Investigative: People who like to ask questions, usually in a science- or math-related profession. Examples include doctors, engineers, statisticians, psychiatrists, etc.
• Artistic: People who appreciate creativity in their work. Examples include writers, artists, interior designers, actors, etc.
• Social: People who want to work with other people, especially in a helping-role. Examples include social workers, counselors, customer service, advocates, etc.
• Enterprising: People who enjoy persuading and leading others. Examples include lawyers, sales-people, lobbyists, entrepreneurs, etc.
• Conventional: People who like order and systems. Examples include librarians, personal assistants, secretaries, etc.

Skills – What are your strengths? What skills have you mastered and what do you need to develop? It is best to capitalize on your current strengths because it is likely to lead to success, which leads to higher confidence and clarification of your career goals. For a list of skills to evaluate, click HERE.

Last Pieces of Advice

Be patient! In-depth self investigation takes time. Take your time and really consider how you’ve succeeded in the past, what ignites your passion, and what values you hold.

Do research! Check out websites like O*Net, Career One Stop, and ACT’s World of Work Map to research jobs and determine if they match your values, interests, and skills.

Get involved now! Start volunteering, join a student organization, and/or get an internship to aid in marketing yourself to employers. If employers can see a pattern of involvement documented on your résumé, it translates you as being a focused individual.

Unemployment Impacts More than Your Wallet

National unemployment rates were averaged at 9.5% in July 2010 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They also stated that the median time a person has spent in unemployment is 25.5 weeks, about 6 months.

Six months is the time we recommend any job seeker to devote to the job search process. This provides a little relief to know that this average hasn’t changed much considering this recession is about twice as bad as in the 1980s. Even though the job seeking timeline and median unemployment rate matches, the psychological affects have climbed.

The Snowball Effect

It doesn’t help that the media continues to report on how bad the unemployment trends are

within our economy. Just yesterday I received a phone call from a media representative who wanted to do a story on the fact that the unemployment rates haven’t changed and how that impacts my job as a career counselor and the job seekers.

Honestly, what impacts the job seekers outlook most is this developed sense of hopelessness.

Even though we’re able to still hold job fairs with local employers looking to fill 50-100+ jobs, the number of seekers attending the fairs has decreased since the start of the recession in 2007.

This sense of hopelessness with the job market snowballs and as it increases it also impacts additional areas of a person’s life. The Pew Research Center published recent findings that unemployment not only affects finances, but also relations with family and friends and a loss of self-respect.

It’s interesting that the time we need our family and friends the most is also the time we tend to cause strain on the relationships, or just ignore them completely. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

This is a time to strengthen relationships and really use them to their full potential. All those years of being there for your friends and family should have some residual effect when it’s your turn to need help. Like I’ve said in some previous posts, no person is an island and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.

Self-respect is probably the most critical area that’s impacted by unemployment. If you lose self-respect then you’re decreasing your networking effectiveness, chances to be hired, and overall productiveness of the job search. In essence a loss of self-respect

could spiral people into depression.

Employers want to hire candidates with confidence and competence to do the job well, and if your self-respect has lowered then it’s likely your confidence and ability to market yourself in a job interview has also decreased. If you’re not sure about your level of self-respect then ask yourself how often you use negative language, like “I can’t…,” “This will never…,” or “No one will help me.”

A Positive Effect

There has been one potential positive effect from the recent unemployment, a reassessment of career goals. The forced change of losing a job can lead to a reevaluation of career goals, interests, and overall job and life satisfaction. More and more people are seeking out professional development opportunities and training options to increase their marketability.

An even bigger trend, which I’ve seen through counseling appointments, is an interest in returning to school and changing career directions completely. I’ve heard more people state things like “for the past 20 years I’ve worked to support myself (and my family) but it was never what I really wanted to do. Now I have the option to change my career, but I’m not sure how to go about it.” I applaud this risk taking behavior because it could mean an overall increase in life satisfaction. However, be careful when taking risks because if it impacts basic needs of food, shelter, and safety then it could increase the chances of losing self-respect and even depression.

Dealing with the Aftermath

There are many ways to productively and positively handle the loss of a job.

I’ve actually posted a number of blogs through my career services office that discusses coping with job loss. These contain some good tips about how to mentally prepare for the road ahead, not allow your current situation to have a negative impact on finding a new job, and even some additional job seeking strategies.

It’s time to be more conscious of yourself which means taking time out to daily reflect on the positives in your life, recreate with friends, keep a journal, or whatever method works for you. Times of turmoil call for a deeper intuition of self and a recognition of needs.

Even as counselors we are reminded that the number one person to care for is you, because if you’re not healthy in mind, body, and spirit then it reduces our effectiveness to help others. So take time to renew and balance your life because that is the core to an effective personal and work life!

Is it Really Just the Economy?

I don't think there is a job seeker around that hasn't felt the sting of the current economic crisis. Even though the economy is improving, employers are still reluctant to hire until they're sure these new increases are here to stay. Every day, I see students, alumni and community members that express frustration at how hard it is to find work right now and I agree. However, sometimes the big issue of the economy can blind job seekers to other problems in their job search.

• Know what kind of work you want to do
  I understand the temptation to just say 'anything' or 'anything full-time' or 'anything better than what I'm doing now'. But, look at it from the hiring employer's perspective. I've never had anyone say that they were willing to hire just anyone. Any employer I've spoken with in my work as a career counselor has always had a very clear idea of what kind of candidate they wanted to fill their open position. They've listed specific kinds of educational qualifications, skills and experience that they've been looking for. You too should have a clear idea of what kind of organization you'd like to work for and what kind of job duties you'd like to have.
  
• Get Your Paperwork Straight In this competitive market a generic Microsoft office template resume and impersonal 'To Whom it May Concern' cover letter may not be enough to help you stand out from everyone else that is applying for a certain position. Make sure you're customizing your resume and cover letter to each position you're applying for and that you highlight your transferrable skills and relevant experience.
  
• Do More Than Just Apply Online
  The internet is a great place to start your job search, but don't stop there. The fact is every other job seeker out there is using the internet as their primary means of job searching, one of the ways you can set yourself apart is to also get face-to-face. Join a networking group, attend a job fair, serve on the board of your favorite nonprofit or conduct some informational interviews. Anything that will help you expand your network and give your future employer the chance to know you as a person instead of just some facts on a resume.

IPFW Job Fair

The fall IPFW Career & Internship Fair is fast approaching. Don't forget to polish your resume, dress to impress, and come early. Over 140 jobs & internship opportunities available!

Thursday, September 23rd

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Walb Union Ballroom

If you need help preparing come to Career Services, Kettler Hall 109. We have extended drop-in hours Today, Sept. 21st from 10am-4pm. You can also drop-in on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd from 10am-2pm. For any last minute questions, we will have an "Ask a Career Counselor" table at the job fair. There's more information to help you prepare, including a list of attending companies, on our website.

The IPFW job fair is open to all IPFW students & alumni, IU & Purdue alumni, and other local college students.

Networking Benefits: Finding a job

I'm sure you've heard that networking can lead you to a job. Well, here's a good video that explains just how to do it. Check it out!

If I was to share the best advise in this video it would be to utilize your network even if you're not job hunting. This helps to develop rapport with your networks, and you have the opportunity to help them so that when you actually need assistance they are more likely to assist you with the job search (or whatever else you might need).

Remember networking is a give-and-take relationship. You can't go into it desperate to find a job because then networking is going to fail you. Think about someone you might know that only takes from you, and every time you're around him/her you feel exhausted.... Don't be that person!

Get Off Facebook and Get an Internship!

A lot of articles are now stating that employers are going to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media outlets to search for viable talent. So, does that mean that all you have to do is set a status message that you're looking for a job and then add your resume to your profile? NO! Believe it or not employers are not going to be banging down your door if you're a passive job hunter like that.

Internships are still the way to go if you want to get noticed. Internships not only help you to gain relevant experience, but also allow you to network in an industry that may be otherwise impenetrable. Check out this article on MSNBC that talks about a student success who gained employment right out of college but it had nothing to do with social media. Actually, she never had social media accounts until after college!

The article does go on to mention how social media sites are still viable ways to job search because many people use that as a networking tool to find good candidates. This is one way to get inside the "hidden job market" and learn about jobs that aren't otherwise posted. We usually recommend using LinkedIn and subscribing to some industry-specific groups. A lot of times the members of these groups will also post job openings!

Job Search Strategies in a Tight Economy

The Office of Career Services at IPFW held a workshop for alumni and community members. We discussed the importance of a strong resume and cover letter and how this is like your sales-pitch to a potential employer with hopes they'll buy the product, you.

Other topics covered in the workshop included:

• Networking - the majority of jobs are never publicly advertised; it's about who you know and who knows you; different ways to network in groups, individually, and online.
• Job Searching - utilize job board websites that are specific to your career focus, and follow up; view it as your full-time job and set up your "office" for productivity.
• Interviewing - this means you're qualified for the job, but the employer wants to hire someone that fits the companies mission; RESEARCH the company & send thank you letters.
• Coping with Job Loss - process any negative feelings you're having about past employers or your current situation so it doesn't affect your interview; set small achievable goals to help reach your large goal of gaining employment.

Here's the presentation given during the workshop. There are more resources on our website at www.ipfw.edu/career.

Job Search Strategies in a Tight Economy

View more presentations from Karen Obringer.

Credit Checks as Part of the Hiring Process?

A recent study by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) reveals that more employers are using credit checks as part of their hiring process. I personally have heard that some employers in the financial services industry do a background check to see if you are fiscally responsible, but it's apparently no longer limited to that industry: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35512038/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/.

The Waiting Room Interview--You Are Being Watched!

From the Culture and Manners Institute (www.cultureandmanners.com):

A woman approached me after a talk in Oklahoma and said, "I am the receptionist in my office. The hiring manager has asked me to keep an eye on the job candidates in the waiting room and report back to him which ones are talking on their cell phones, checking messages, or texting. Those are the candidates we do not hire."

Avoid using your cell phone or text messaging while sitting in the waiting room before an interview or even a sales call (which is, in itself, an interview). Take out a notebook and study your notes (for surely you have done your research on this company -- their leadership, mission statement, sales figures, etc.) Go over the answers to tricky questions in your head. Even if you usually review notes on your phone or PDA, use something else so you don't appear to be checking messages. Leave the impression that you are focused on the business at hand and not distracted by other things in your life.

Tips for Recession Job Hunting

I recently read an article from the Equal Opportunity Employment Journal's September 2009 issue entitled Tips for Recession Job Hunting. It outlines 17 suggestions to help you move along and lessen the discouragement when job hunting.

1. Dedicate Yourself - consider job hunting as a full time job
2. Quit Moping Around
3. Consider the Industry - if you're thinking a new industry would be better, then do your research first and find out if they're having cut-backs too
4. Network Before You Go - even if you're currently employed, it's always good to network. The majority of jobs are never posted publicly, but gotten through networks.
5. Develop an Online Identity - an online presence is key since most employers Google you. Check out Personal Branding with Dan Schawbel for more information
6. Consider Self-Employment - freelance or consult
7. Consider Kind-of Self-Employment - part-time or contract jobs are still an option
8. Hunt in Other Markets - consider relocating
9. What Color is Your Parachute? - good book & workbook to help you "find yourself"
10. Use Resources Wisely - watch your budget
11. Get in People's Face - similar to networking; ask for a meeting like an informational interview
12. Come Unbelievably Prepared - RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH
13. Go Where You Think the Jobs Aren't
14. Exhaust Your Biggest Pay-offs First
15. Stand Out From the Crowd
16. Consider Volunteering
17. Don't Assume They're Not Hiring - the company may be looking for better, cheaper, and more effective ways to accomplish their goals; are you the answer?

And their final advise was to stay positive! Any negative behavior and self-confidence will be evident to potential future employers and reduce your success rate. So find a way to keep yourself positively motivated.

For major/industry specific job websites check out IPFW's Career Services website

Career Fairs -- Advice for everyone!

The IPFW Career & Internship Fair is coming up on Thursday, September 17th from 10am-3pm in the Walb Union on campus. All IPFW students and alumni are welcome to attend.

Even if you're not ready for a job or internship right now, but might be thinking about it for the near future or just want to expand your professional network you can use job fairs as a means to accomplish this.

Come prepared with your 2-minute commercial about yourself and the knowledge you have of the company (see the Frank Costanza blog entry prior). Bring a business card or your resume to pass out to employers. You can also ask for one of their business cards and you SHOULD ALWAYS follow up with an email or phone call thanking them for their time. Don't forget to periodically re-connect with them, if you're using this as a networking tool, so they don't forget about you and you can effectively help each other when the occasion arises.

Check out more information about the IPFW Career & Internship Fair HERE. If you would like to talk to someone about how to prepare for the Career & Internship Fair, drop into our office (Kettler Hall 109) on September 15-16, 10am-4pm. If you bring your resume, we'll even give you some quick tips on how to update and improve it! And, for some information about how to work a job fair, check out this video: