First impressions are important! If you want to make a positive first impression and stand out, we recommend that you dress in "business casual."
Business casual can include:
Women:
- Polo shirt
- Long-sleeved, buttoned solid shirt
- Blouse
- Dress pants or khakis
- Dresses and skirts
- Sweater/cardigan/blazer
- Dress shoes, dress flats or 2" heels
- Make sure your clothes are neat, clean, wrinkle-free, and fit well
- Keep hair and nails neatly trimmed
Men:
- Polo shirt
- Long-sleeved, buttoned solid shirt
- Dress pants or khakis
- Sweater
- Blazer
- Tie
- Dress shoes
- Make sure your clothes are neat, clean, wrinkle-free, and fit well
- Keep hair, facial hair and nails neatly trimmed
AVOID:
- Short dresses and skirts. They should be no more than one inch above the knee.
- Jeans and leggings.
- Excessive jewelry, cologne or perfume. Cover tattoos.
- Bright colors, loud patterns and inappropriate logos/cartoons.
- Clothing that is torn, dirty or wrinkled.
- Revealing clothing and plunging neck lines.
- Flip flops, sandals and athletic clothing.
Come with a Plan!
Review which employers will be there: Check this webpage for an updated list of employers attending.
Research company information: Visit company websites to identify who you want to meet and what they do. Impress them with your knowledge about their organization.
Bring several copies of your resume: Drop in or schedule an appointment to have your resume reviewed by us in Career Services, Rm. A-1039 or 440-525-7222.
Prepare a 30-second commercial: Practice introducing yourself by preparing a summary of your background, skills and accomplishments. Tell the employer who you are, what opportunities you are seeking and what impresses you about their organization. The goal is to be comfortable talking about yourself. Create a list of talking points. Don't try to memorize a detailed script!
Develop appropriate questions: Prepare 2-3 questions you want to ask the employer. Example: What kind of entry level positions/internships exist in your organization? What do you look for in a good application? What qualities, skills or experience do you look for in candidates?
Take notes: Have a professional looking portfolio or a pad of paper and pen to gather information. Write down any important details about companies you are interested in. Include names of people who may not have given you business cards, and ask about the next steps of the hiring process.
Follow up: Follow-up with any conversation with an employer that was of interest with a thank you email. Express appreciation for their time and express your interest in the position. Take action and apply for positions in whatever way you were directed at the fair.