There Still Are Jobs Out There
Find one from 50-plus employers at tomorrow’s Career Expo
With unemployment at an all-time high of 9.5 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, tomorrow’s Career Services Career Expo comes at an opportune moment: more than 50 employers will be at the George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom to meet and screen student candidates for jobs and internships.
Everyone from freshmen to grad students will benefit, says Kimberly DelGizzo, the director of Career Services. “What we know about the labor market tells us that 75 to 80 percent of positions that people accept come from networking,” she says. “Even if you’re not looking for your dream job just yet, it’s good practice talking to recruiters.”
Companies participating run the gamut, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to John Hancock and the Peace Corps. More may choose to attend at the last minute, so keep checking for updates.
Here’s what DelGizzo suggests for Career Expo success:
Bring a résumé
A one-page résumé is your calling card and sales pitch. If you don’t have a résumé, says DelGizzo, attend anyway. You can always e-mail a fresh one to the recruiter later.
Research the companies before you go
From the provided list, determine which companies you’d like to learn more about. When approaching the recruiter, your first question should never be, “So, what do you guys do?” Google, find out, and then …
Prepare an introduction and good questions
Often the first thing a recruiter says is, “Tell me about yourself.” Think about what you want to say, including such basics as name, major, a brief description of your experience, and what you hope to do for work. You should also think of questions that show you understand what the company does, DelGizzo says. Ask the recruiter what skills they’re seeking and for details on jobs or internships available.
Dress appropriately
Don’t show up to the Career Expo sweaty from FitRec. DelGizzo recommends looking professional — business casual or a suit, especially for seniors.
Practice good manners
Turn off your cell phone. Introduce yourself, look that recruiter in the eye, smile, and offer a firm handshake.
But don’t mention …
The Career Expo is not the time to bring up questions about salary and vacation, says DelGizzo.
Practice first
Before you head to one of your top five choices, visit another table so you can practice and warm up.
Follow up
Collect business card so you can follow up. Be sure to bring a notepad; jot down notes about a company and what you and the recruiter discussed. If an employer tells you to get in touch, do it sooner rather than later.
“Conversations that start at the Career Expo can lead to an internship or a career,” says DelGizzo. “But not if students don’t attend.”
The Career Expo will be held tomorrow, Thursday, October 15, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the George Sherman Union, second floor. Check out Career Services for more events this semester.
Amy Laskowski can be reached at amlaskow@bu.edu.
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