Virtual Job Fair: Student Info
Welcome to the future. On Wednesday, February 6 - Friday, February 8, 2013, scout out paid job opportunities at our virtual job fair.
How does it work?
Register in COLUMBIAWORKS early to attend. Polish and upload your resume.Visit the fair page February 6-8 and apply to jobs that interest you. Simple!
Want some help?
Come to the Portfolio Center for a resume and virtual job fair workshop on Friday, February 1st from 12-1 pm. Registration required.
Meet with Christie Andersen or Katherine Lelek for a walk-in resume review on Tuesdays from 2-5 pm or Wednesdays from 12-4 pm
Walk-in with any ColumbiaWorks questions on Wednesday, February 6th from 4-5 PM, email or call 312-369-7280.Turning a Virtual Job Fair into a Real Job: Prepare, make an impression, and follow-up
The Virtual Job Fair is a special three-day opportunity for you to get the attention of companies who are currently hiring for specific positions. You lose the impact of a face-to-face meeting, but there are a few ways to be sure you still grab attention.
Prepare
Advance prep is even more important for a virtual fair!
Update your resume
This document is your representative at the virtual job fair. Be sure yours is polished and up to date, free of typos, and reviewed by at least one professional. Format/design are even more critical without your smiling face to back it up! Make sure it looks polished, unique, and easy to read.
Polish your portfolio
Talking about your designs just doesn’t have the same impact as showing them. Compile your work, have it reviewed beforehand, and get it online. You won’t be able to submit work samples via ColumbiaWorks, but you CAN include a URL on your resume.
Do some ColumbiaWorks maintenance
All applications go through ColumbiaWorks, so it’s time for some clean up. First, make sure you can log in. Second, click on My Account - My Profile and make sure your information is up to date. Next, click on My Documents and remove any outdated resumes. Upload your new one and you are ready to roll!
Research the companies
Once we announce who is participating, do a little digging. Research what each company does. Check out their past work, client list, and news about them online. All of this can eventually be included in a cover letter.
Make an Impression
Find ways to communicate your value online.
Follow Instructions
Companies will post open jobs starting the day of the fair. You will need to apply for every individual position you are interested in.
Don’t Forget the Cover Letter
Once you see which positions are available, take time to write personalized cover letters to each position you apply to. ColumbiaWorks will allow you to upload multiple versions, or you can include them in the text box that appears when you apply. Sending good cover letters can make the difference between getting the interview and getting ignored.
Follow Up
Keep a good momentum going and the application goes out.
What Comes Next?
For this specific event it is difficult (sometimes impossible) to follow up with any of the companies participating. When you apply, they receive your materials and will follow up only if they want to interview you. This can be frustrating, but make note of companies you are especially excited about. Watch their websites for additional postings that might be a fit.
Keep Records
When you are job searching it’s always a good idea to keep track of where and when you are applying. If you hear back from companies, you can always refer back to ColumbiaWorks for a reminder of the job description and the materials you sent. These can be found by clicking on My Account – My Activity.