Knowledge about company students are applying for is key, employees say

Dress to impress, visit the printers at Kinko’s and practice that 30-second power greeting. It is time for the Fall Job and Internship Fair.

Fifty-four employers will gather to meet students and alumni from Kent State from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Student Center Ballroom.

Among the various fields of employers, students may recognize names like American Greetings, FBI and Target.

Robin Pijor, assistant director of Career Services, said students and alumni should come into the fair with a game plan.

“For those juggling classes and other obligations, it is important to know how long they can stay,” Pijor said. “They need to do their homework before coming.”

Pijor said students should look at the list of registered employers to see who they are interested in talking to. A complete list of registered companies and organizations is available at www.career.kent.edu. Once they figure out who is recruiting from their major or degree, the students need to research that company.

“Knowledge of a company and its product demonstrates a candidate has shown enough interest to look into it before attending the fair,” Pijor said. “Learning about a company is key and shows initiative.”

Be prepared when walking up to an employer’s booth. Pijor said, first and foremost, be prepared with a 30-second power greeting.

“The 30-second power greeting is composed and practiced,” Pijor said. “It is something that makes the candidate stand out. With a firm handshake, tell them your name, major and skills. It is a small snip-it of why an employer should talk to them.”

Students should have a resume ready for the employers they are interested in. The resume should be printed on quality paper, such as bond paper – not the kind a homework assignment would be printed on.

“Beginning the job and internship search process early is the first major step in succeeding,” career specialist Hobson Hamilton said. “Also, having your resume and cover letter reviewed by a Career Services Center counselor will help tremendously.”

Hamilton said networking is among the top five ways to obtain a job.

Among undergraduates, juniors and seniors attending the fair are the most serious about getting a job or internship. Yet, alumni are also welcome and just as serious, Pijor said. Alumni attendance is projected to increase this year based on the economy and the rise in attendance at last year’s spring fair.

Kent State students already have a good mark in the eyes of some of the employers attending because some of them are also alumni of the university.

“Quite a few alumni are coming as employers,” Pijor said. “It has been very common in the past. Students should take advantage of this opportunity to network and pass out their resumes.”

Pijor said students should meet with employers, schedule interviews and try to come into their offices for follow-ups.

“The job and internship fair situation can be pretty intimidating,” Pijor said. “If students and alumni are prepared, though, it can be a rewarding opportunity.”

Contact alumni affairs reporter Lisa Davala at [email protected]