Prepare To Meet Your Future Employer: 3 Steps To Get Ready for the YCP Career Expo
Prepare to Meet Your Future Employer: 3 Steps to Get Ready for the YCP Career Expo
March 14, 2022Written by: Julianna Orkin '23
Whether you’re getting ready to graduate and transition into a full-time position or you’re looking for an internship to build your experience, it’s important to make a good first impression as you meet prospective employers. Your interactions at a job fair or career expo can make a difference in the opportunities offered to you, such as interviews, internships, or even job offers.
How to prepare
Leading up to York College’s annual Career Expo, the Career Development Center hosts workshops and resumé drop-in sessions to help students prepare for meet-and-greets with representatives from businesses across the region. Their staff have some helpful advice for first-time career fair attendees:
1. Make sure your résumé is up to date
Show up for Résumé Drop-In sessions to receive feedback and tips on how to improve your job application materials. Having an up-to-date, well-written résumé that showcases your skills and work ethic can improve your chances of impressing a potential future employer. It also opens up opportunities for conversations about your previous work experiences.
2. Check your closet
When you’re first meeting people in a professional scenario, it is recommended that you dress in business professional attire. You want to present yourself as well as possible and make a good first impression. Of course, dressing the part isn’t the only way to put your best foot forward, but it helps to send a message that you take your career opportunities seriously.
Blazers and slacks for women are good options, as are dresses that fall at or below the knee. For men, khakis and a button-up work great. Business-professional clothing options are often available at stores like Target, Walmart, Kohls, or Old Navy at an affordable price. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for sales!
3. Assess where you are in your career exploration
This process will allow you to set goals for the event, and to develop your career interests and experiences. It’s important to determine if you’re looking for a summer internship, part-time position, or a full-time opportunity.
Pairing these goals with an awareness about which employers are registered for an event (and the positions they’re looking to fill) can help you to determine which businesses and organizations you should seek out as potential matches for your career interests.
Join Us
York College students can attend the Career Expo on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Interact with 90+ employers and gain valuable career knowledge on campus. Network and take the next step in your career journey!
Visit YCP's Career Development Center Categories