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Spring is in the air, so get ready for another awesome HC CAREER FAIR!
Spring is in the air, which means it is time to get ready for another jam packed  HC CAREER FAIR!

This year the Career Planning Center has put together an amazing fair full of FORTY-SEVEN organizations ready to meet and greet with Holy Cross students …Yes that means YOU! SAVE THE DATE because WEDNESDAY APRIL 2nd is right around the corner, so why not take some time to find out if  you are ready?

Career fairs are a phenomenal opportunity to:
− Network with multiple organizations in a single visit.
− Demonstrate your communication & interpersonal skills.

Lets go over some helpful tips for coming prepared to a campus career fair!

1. Do your homework!

               Before the fair, you can review the online directory of employers and their job opportunities by clicking HERE. Spend a little time getting some background on an organization so you can ask very focused and specific questions. This will impress representatives because it shows you have a genuine interest in their organization.

2. Bring Your Resume!

              Recruiters meet with a lot of people and try as they might they cant remember them all. Once again, it’s time to dust off your resume and make sure it is in tip top condition. Make sure it is current and that it sends a clear, concise picture of who you are and what you have to offer. Bring your resume to leave with each employer to ensure that they remember you! If you need help, stop by the Career Planning Center for a same-day Drop-In Session which occurs M-F from 1:00-4:00pm.

3. Practice Marketing Yourself!

              Practice, practice, practice. Get together with a friend and practice answering basic interview questions. You should be prepared if someone asks you something like “Tell me about yourself,” or “What kind of position are you looking for?” This is why tip #1 is important because you can develop a list of questions you want to ask each organization. One of the best ways to look prepared and professional is showing up with thoughtful, intelligent questions!

4. Dress the part!

First impressions are important.When you go to the career fair on Wednesday April 2nd, you will not see people walking around in jeans and t-shirts and you don’t want to be the one person who does. A career fair is your chance to make a good first impression with a potential new employer so make sure you look well groomed, and carry your materials in a professional folder or portfolio.

5. Be confident & never leave empty handed!

             A career fair is no place to be shy and timid. The best way to make a lasting impression is by being assertive. Approach the companies that interest you, make eye contact and introduce yourself with a firm handshake. Take the initiative and tell them about yourself and why you are interested in their company. Tie in what you know about their company from your research to the type of job you are seeking. Whatever you do, don’t leave a company booth without getting a business card and company brochure. This might be the only opportunity you have to meet with the recruiter face to face and you will want his or her contact information later.

With these quick tips you’ll be sure to land a connection with a company of interest! One last thing to keep in mind is the Follow up! After the fair is over, remember to thank whoever you spoke with for taking the time to speak with you, reiterate your strengths, and let them know that you’re interested and would like to follow up in the near future.

 

OK now go out there, follow these tips and score big! 
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Standing out in the Crowd: The Art of Networking

When asked the best way for someone to break into a given career, the typical response is “It’s all about who you know.”

Knowing people is undoubtedly central to success. Only one problem: most of us are not sitting at home with a comprehensive list of close friends who are high up execs in the particular career field we are pursuing. So what to do? Network. Network. Network. Networking means reaching out to people you already know AND forming new connections with various professionals.

One first (very simple) step in networking is developing a professional online presence through LinkedIn. This social media platform provides a space for you to list your experience/accomplishments and serves as a point of reference for potential employers. In addition, as you make online connections your visibility increases. Essentially, this lays the ground work for networking.

While a virtual presence is pivotal, the bread and butter of networking remains in-person interactions. Career Fairs mark one of the best platforms for college students to connect with professionals in-person, as they attract a variety of professionals who are there to engage in dialogues with undergrads.

So, how do you stand out in a sea of college students at Career Fairs?

  • Do your Research: Before the fair, look at the list of companies who will be represented. Choose a few companies that peak your interest and research them online.
  • Bring Materials: Have business cards printed and bring them. This is a great way to stand out after the event ends. Also have copies of your resume handy, in case an employer asks.

Also, check out GradtoGreat.com’s “15 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Formal Events” for more tips!

Upcoming Career Fairs:

  • Holy Cross Fall Career Fair: Wednesday, September 26th, 12-3pm in Hogan Ballroom (For a list of employers, check here)
  • Liberal Arts Recruiting Connection: Friday, November 2nd 1-4pm in the Empire Ballroom at the Courtyard by Marriott Boston Tremont Hotel (For more info, check here)

Let the networking begin….

Source: Picture
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7 Things to Get YOUR Job Search Started

Stressed out already about senior year? Don’t know where to start the job search process?

Stop stressing, and listen up! Having worked in the Career Planning Center the past two years, I have gotten the scoop on the recruiting process, and have put together a quick and easy list of essential “to-do’s” before you start applying. Follow these 7 simple steps, and get your job search started on the right foot!

7 things all seniors should do before applying for jobs:

  1. Go to the senior workshop. If you plan on job searching through Holy Cross you must attend one of these sessions, which cover interview skills, behavior, expectations and all of the policies and procedures for recruiting (also see #3). Plus, it’s a great way to meet the new Associate Director of Employer Relations, Maura Hume. Not only is she a Holy Cross grad but she runs the recruiting program. Tip for success: Become her friend and follow her advice.
  2. Update your resume. A fresh, eye-catching, and professional resume is key to landing any interview. It’s the first step in marketing yourself to employers, and giving them a snapshot of what you’ve done at Holy Cross and beyond. We may know how rigorous Holy Cross is, but the resume is key to showing employers the value of a liberal arts education. For examples take a look at this link. Tip for success: Bring your resume into the office during drop-in hours and have a counselor review it. Drop in hours are Monday-Friday 1-4pm.
  3. Check out the new Crusader Connections. Gmail isn’t the only change seniors need to be aware of—Crusader Connections has changed too. You should have received an e-mail about the change before you got back on campus, and it’s essential that you check it out prior to the night you are trying to apply for a job. You can access it through the Holy Cross login screen or on the Career Planning website. Become familiar with the site, how jobs are posted, and how to upload materials. Tip for success: Don’t forget to update your profile, and even try uploading your new crisp resume!
  4. Find or purchase an interview appropriate outfit. Not all professional outfits are the same and the right outfit is essential for your first interview. Not only will it make you feel professional and give you confidence but it sends the right message to employers. Knowing the type of industry you are interviewing with is also key, as not all companies expect a suit. However, when in doubt over-dress, don’t under-dress. Tips for success: Ladies, listen up! Watch out for flashy jewelry, too many rings, earrings, etc; go for close-toed shoes; and keep the nails groomed and professional; no black or neon polish.
  5. Identify career fields, employers, or areas of interest. Always keep your options open, but at this point you should start to get a sense of the type of companies you want to apply to and when they recruit. Generally, large companies start as early as the fall, while small companies and non-profits recruit as jobs become available. Knowing the type of company, industry or culture you are looking for can prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by all of the job postings. Tip for success: Use online resources to research companies, positions, and industries. It’ll help you get a better sense of the job description, company culture, and expectations.
  6. Make an appointment with the Career Planning Center to talk about your game plan. Career Planning is a great resource to have. They have done this countless times and can walk you through the process, tell you about more options, and get you connected to employers and opportunities you didn’t know existed. Tip for success: Do this early, don’t wait until you’re stuck, or pulling your hair out!
  7. Relax! You have time and a multitude of resources at your disposal. Enjoy senior year, do well in your classes, and keep an open mind. Tip for success: Use all your available resources—family, friends, teachers, staff, the internet, and, of course, the Career Planning Center!
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This Week’s Deadlines and Events
Employers are hiring!  Apply for a job or two via Crusader Connections!  Visit this week’s Worcester Consortium Career Fair!  Set up an informational interview with a Holy Cross Alumna/us!
Don’t know what you want to do or where to start?
No Problem!  Set up an appointment by calling 508.793.3880 or stopping by Hogan 203.
Tuesday, March 29
Event:  Colleges of Worcester Consortium Career Fair, DCU Center Ballroom from 1-4:30 pm Click here for a list of participating employers and directions
Deadlines:
  • Insight Global, Inc. – Training/Account Manager (On-campus Interviews: April 7)
  • Zoom Technical Services – Technical Recruiter  (On-campus Interviews: April 8)
  • Apply via Crusader Connections
Thursday, March 31
Deadlines:
  • FactSet Research Systems, Inc. – Market Metrics Analyst (resume referral)
  • Fidelity Investments – Financial Representative (resume referral)
  • Apply via Crusader Connections
Friday, April 1
Don’t be a fool!  Visit us in Career Planning to work on your job search!

We’re always available by appointment (M-F, 9 – 5 – call 508.793.3880 or stop by Hogan 203 to schedule) or visit us on drop-in hours, M-F, 1-4pm, no appointment necessary.
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Career Fair!

Consortium Career Fair
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
DCU Center Ballroom
50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA

FREE

Review a complete list of participating organizations.

All classes welcome!  Speak with employers about full-time employment as well as internships!