Encourage your student to attend the Career Expo 2015 hosted by the Missouri State Career Center, Tuesday, February 24,1:00 – 5:00 PM at JQH Arena.  The Career Expo provides the opportunity for students and employers to connect. More than 140 employers from all areas of all industries are registered to attend. Employers will be looking to fill internships and full-time positions. Students of all majors and all class levels from Missouri State University, Drury University, Evangel University, Southwest Baptist University, and College of the Ozarks are invited to attend this all-inclusive career fair. 

Your student should bring copies of their résumé to distribute. Professional dress or business casual is recommended. A list of employers who are attending is available on the Career Center’s website: http://careercenter.missouristate.edu/CareerExpo.htm

Remind your student to show their professional side at the Career Expo. Below are some tips from the Career Center you can share:

Professionalism includes a wide range of characteristics that involve displaying appropriate behavior in the way we behave, dress, and speak. Examples include treating people respectfully, dressing appropriately, avoiding gossip and negativity, staying calm during stressful or crisis situations, and behaving ethically and with integrity.

The Career Expo on February 24 provides students the opportunity to meet and network with a large number of employers, so ensure that the first impression you make is a professional one. Effective time management skills, well prepared résumés, and appropriate attire are ways in which students can demonstrate their professionalism.

Allow plenty of time. Career Expo will be from 1 to 5 pm, so plan to arrive toward the beginning rather than the end. Many people underestimate the amount of time they need to spend at career fairs. If you wait until 4:45, some employers may have already left or be putting away their material.

Use your time efficiently. Sometimes employers have a waiting line of students; if you choose to wait your turn, be patient and observant. However, you may want to take the opportunity to visit with another recruiter and return to the first one when that line is shorter.

Do your research. Visit the Career Center’s website to view the list of employers planning to attend. Each recruiter includes a link to the company or organization website. Visit their websites to learn more about them, their services, and products. Make a list of the employers you want to target during the career fair.

Be prepared. Make sure your résumé is correct and updated, and bring plenty of copies to distribute. Some students also like to include business cards with their résumés. During Career Expo, ask recruiters for their business cards. Employers may want to look at your LinkedIn profile, so make sure it is developed and updated.

Dress appropriately. Wearing business attire that is clean and pressed sends the message that you’re responsible, capable, and ready to be hired. On the other hand, dressing too casually may leave employers doubting your qualifications or preparedness. Even though some recruiters will be wearing business casual, others will be wearing traditional business attire. It’s preferable to dress too conservatively than too casually. Read more about the different levels of business attire: http://abt.cm/1DmTA3v

Demonstrate confidence. Sometimes students arrive at Career Expo with friends or classmates, but once you check in, show your independence and confidence by interacting with employers on your own. Your friends and classmates may be your competition, so you want to make sure that you stand out and are not “lumped together.”

Be courteous. Practice your handshake; make sure it is not too strong or too limp. Feeling nervous is normal, but smile and be personable. Most employers will try to put you at ease.  Say thank you and please. Be respectful of others: don’t cut in line or be rude.

Follow up. After Career Expo, send thank-you letters (or thank-you cards) to recruiters (another reason to collect their business cards). In addition to thanking them for their time, take this opportunity to express your interest in the position and organization and to emphasize your qualifications.