Illinois Part-Time Job Fair Fall 2020

The Illinois Part-Time Job Fair is open to all students on campus seeking opportunities to make some extra money and build their career competencies while completing their academics. Opportunities at this fair should be paid, non-technical positions on campus or in the Champaign/Urbana community.

Preparing for a Career Fair

  1. Review the list of organizations and research those that interest you. The list of participating companies can be found in Handshake.
  2. Update your resume and have it reviewed.
  3. Practice your elevator pitch.
  4. Prepare questions to ask employers.

Approaching Employers Virtually at a Career Fair

Most interactions will be brief, often 3-4 minutes, but if no one else is in line you could have a longer conversation.

  • Greet the Employer
    • If there is a line, pay attention to conversations of those ahead of you.
    • Establish eye contact, smile, shake hands, and introduce yourself.
    • Be confident and upbeat.
  • Be ready to have a conversation about the application process.
    • Relax and speak slowly.
    • Articulate how your interests and qualifications are well-aligned with the organization's needs.
    • Take notes about next steps and distribute your resume.
    • At the end of the conversation, request a business card and/or contact information.
    • Smile and thank the recruiter at the end of your conversation.

Following Up After the Fair

  • Take Action
    • Apply for positions of interest through Handshake, the company website, or however you were directed at the fair.
  • Send a quick thank you email (within 24 hours) to contacts you met at the fair
    • Refer back to something from your conversation and attach your resume.
    • Reiterate your interest in the company and the positions they have available.
  • Keep a file of all contacts made with the employer
    • Include dates and application materials sent to them.

When: September 8th 2020 at 11:00 am CDT - September 8th 2020 at 1:00 pm CDT

Where:

Please visit Handshake to join the career fair and learn more.