You don’t really need to wear a suit to this job fair, unlike a lot of others. You should, however, use your common sense. Think about the types of employees organizations want to hire. Usually they want someone who makes a good impression to coworkers and customers. Make sure the clothes you wear are clean and have no holes in them. Women should not wear revealing clothes such as low-cut shirts or short skirts. If you really want to make a great impression, leave your jeans at home and wear some nice khakis and a shirt with a collar.
You’ll need to fill out applications for many part-time employers. Make sure you have all of your local contact information either memorized or written down. You’ll also want to have a list of your previous jobs including dates of employment, supervisor’s names, and contact information. You may need to provide information for references or list other activities you’ve been involved in. You’ll also want to bring a nice pen or two along to fill out applications.
Many employers will think you are very prepared if you bring a resume along. We encourage you to put one together. To get started, see the samples we’ve set up for you.
As you approach employers think to yourself “I am confident and professional!” It may seem silly, but employers are usually drawn to candidates who appear to be both of those things. Be ready to shake hands. Practice on your friends if you need to. Also, be prepared to introduce yourself. You might say something like this, “Hello. My name is Luka Guyer. I’m a new student at Minnesota State and I’m really interested in working at Erbert and Gerbert’s. I worked in a sandwich shop in my hometown.” Again, you may want to practice.
It’s okay to contact an employer after the fair. For part-time jobs, you may want to call or e-mail them to show your interest in the job. Make sure you take a business card or write down their contact information. If an employer interviews you, always send a thank-you note.
If you follow these simple tips, you’ll stand out from the crowd at the fair. To find additional resources including resume samples and an online workshop on finding Part-Time employment, visit the CDC website at www.mnsu.edu/cdc.
Jennifer Guyer-Wood Jennifer.guyer-wood@mnsu.edu
Katie Smith-Stiles Katherine.smith-stiles@mnsu.edu
