All the indicators are present we?re told, the economy is slowing, however recruiters aren?t. For the second straight career event this year, the Spring Job Fair 2001 is sold out. There?s even a waiting list with over 30 recruiters hoping for a last minute chance to get on campus.

The Job Fair will host over 120 recruiters in the University Union Ballroom from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Febuary 21. Recruiters will be offering internships, seasonal, volunteer and part-time positions in the Sacramento area, as well as nationwide.

Prior to the Job Fair there are a variety of ways you can prepare for the event. You can visit The Career Center Web site at www.csus.edu/careercenter and view a listing of the companies attending. There will be many employers, you?ll want to look at the list before you attend to optimize your time at the Job Fair. The site provides links to the company?s home page (when available) and job description information.

In addition, there is a Job Fair binder with detailed job descriptions, qualifications and salary information in The Career Center. Students can drop in and view this binder Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in The Career Center, room 2000 in Lassen Hall.

The demand for CSUS students has been strong, with over 30 companies on the waiting list for this Job Fair. Since both the Fall Career Fair 2000 and the Spring Job Fair 2001 sold out in record time, we?ve listed the companies on the waiting list at www.csus.edu/careercenter/recruitwaitlist.htm. You can click over and see what jobs they are offering, even though they will not be attending the Job Fair.

Employers tell us they like to attend CSUS?s Career Fairs because they can find what they are looking for. The employers recognize that at CSUS, students in many cases are juggling school, work and families. How does that translate into employability? It says that you have 1) time management skills; 2) can handle multiple tasks; and 3) that you have great determination.

I would like to recommend the following tips to help you get the most out of this Job Fair:

o Prepare

Research and find out what employers are attending the Job Fair ahead of time. A list can be found at The Career Center in Lassen Hall or on our Web site at www.csus.edu/careercenter . Express Yourself

Be prepared to communicate clearly to the employer your skills, values, interests and personality traits that relate to the position for which you are interviewing. If you need help with this schedule some time with a career advisor at The Career Center or stop in during walk-in hours 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

o Practice

The Career Center has a variety of handouts that address interview questions and how to work a career fair. Pick up a few and practice your responses.

Resume

Have several copies of your resume ready to present to employers of interest. Think of your resume as a marketing brochure that “sells” your skills and accomplishments. Leave your resume with as many employers you are interested in. Don?t forget that companies recruit for a variety of positions that are not always obvious. Example: At first glance, a strictly retail company may not be of interest, but a closer look reveals that they have positions in: human resources, computer science and public relations.

o Dress

Dress varies so we don?t want to discourage students from attending the Job Fair because they didn?t wear a suit that day. Although, the suit is a nice touch for a career fair, it is not necessary. Neat coordinated casual clothes work as well. Think about it, employers will see thousands of students each week; will they remember what you wore? No. A pleasant demeanor, positive, friendly attitude and asking good questions will make an equally good impression. Please, don?t let your dress discourage you from taking a spin around the floor.

o Follow-up

Get a business card from the company you are interested in. Follow up in the form of a thank-you note along with a crisp copy of your resume will make a tremendous impact. What is key to following-up is that you have shown initiative and that speaks well of you and your interests in a particular company.

If you need further assistance or want more information, call The Career Center at (916) 278-6231 or stop by 2000 Lassen Hall.