Time to prepare for the Career Fair

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: ERIKA FAUST
A student meets with members of the London Police Services during last year’s Career Fair. The 2014 Career Fair will take place on February 5 in J Gym. Students looking for career information are encouraged to attend.

Career Services' annual Career Fair is a little less than a month away, but it's never too early to get ready by perfecting your resume and cover letter, practising your elevator pitch and polishing up your networking skills.

The Career and Summer Job Fair on February 5 will see approximately 90 employers in J Gym, representing a wide range of industries. Some of the employers that have already confirmed their attendance include the City of London, several police forces (including the RCMP), the London Children's Connection, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, London Hydro, GoodLife Fitness and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

Deb Bomans is spearheading the team of employees from Fanshawe's Career Services, Co- Operative Education and Community Employment Services departments who are working to put together the Career Week in early February.

“Some of [the employers] will just be looking [to hire people] for summer jobs, and probably a generic resume would be fine, but if you're really looking to establish your career, then you need to have a career-focused resume,” Bomans said.

“It's all about building your relationships and making the most of that networking opportunity,” she added.

To prepare for the Fair, you can head to Career Services in D1063 or attend one of their many workshops for help with your cover letter, resume and more — see the sidebar for the full list of this month's events.

The most important thing you can do is research. Check out www.fanshawec.ca/careerservices to see a list of employers who will be coming to campus on February 5. Focus on the organizations that you think look most interesting, but keep an open mind.

“I would encourage students to think outside the box,” Bomans said. “Even though perhaps they're in, say, a business program, don't just think of the banks. Every place is looking to hire HR and office admin people. Don't close the door on the options and opportunities — take advantage of having employers right here on campus, and do some networking with them.”

In the next few weeks, the Career Services webpage will post a full list of organizations attending the Fair. The page will also list employer profiles, which will include some information about the company, the career opportunities they offer and what jobs they're hiring for.

The best jump-start you can make for your career while you're still in school is to attend the Career Fair and make a great impression on the people who may hire you one day. “Take the opportunity to step in and talk with employers so that when the time comes for an actual official interview you're feeling more confident and comfortable,” Bomans recommended.

The Career Fair takes place in J Gym at the London campus on February 5, and there are events running throughout January to help you prepare. See below for a list of workshops and Resumania events.

Preregister for all workshops in D1063.

January 15
Resume Workshop, D1061, 10 to 11 a.m.

January 21
Career Fair Prep Workshop, D1061, 10 to 11 a.m.

January 22
Resumania, Oasis, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

January 23
Career Fair Prep Workshop, D1061, 12 to 1 p.m.

January 29
Resumania, International Office E2025, 1 to 3 p.m.

January 30
Cover Letters and References Workshop, D1061, 1 to 2 p.m.

January 31
Career Fair Prep Workshop, D1061, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

February 3
International Resumania, F Hallway, 1 to 3 p.m.

February 4
Career Fair Prep Drop-In, D1061, 10 to 11 a.m.