University Hosts Career Fair for HSU Students Feb. 22

Over 50 state and local employers will be on campus Friday, Feb. 22 for the 2013 Career Expo and Volunteer Fair.
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Employers will accept applications and conduct informational interviews from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the West Gym of the Health and Wellness Center. Participating organizations include: Kokotat, Bicoastal Media Group, the Humboldt County Office of Education, the Peace Corps and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For a full list, visit humboldt.edu/career.

Career counselor Cherry Ouellette says that preparation is the key to making the most of the career fair. Employers are looking for applicants who are knowledgeable about their organization, Ouellette says. “Go to the websites of the companies you’re interested in and find out why you’d be a good fit.” She also recommends preparing a list of questions and bringing 10-15 copies of your resume.

One of biggest mistakes students make is ignoring their attire, Ouellette says. Wear clothing that’s professional, but also appropriate for the organization. “If you’re a business major, dress in business attire. If you’re a science major looking for field employment, don’t wear your field clothes. Wear something that’s a step up from your normal dress,” Ouellette says.

This year’s fair will also feature a LinkedIn photo booth, where students can take a photo for their LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is a social networking site where users can post their resume, search for jobs and make professionals contacts.

Ouellette’s final tip: Get business cards. One of the best ways to ensure you’ll follow up with an employer is having their contact information handy. “Write a note on the back of the card about what you talked about, then follow up with an email or phone call.”

For more on the career center, visit humboldt.edu/career. The Career Center holds career preparation workshops throughout the year. For info on events, visit humboldt.edu/events.