This spring, Boise State’s Career Fair is going to look a little different. It’ll be spread over 6 weeks, with each week focused on a different professional field. We encourage you to attend sessions with employers from any week, regardless of your major. Here’s a quick view of the schedule. The Career Services website has all kinds of helpful details, so go there for more.
- Non-Profit, Government, and Public Service: Feb. 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Technology and Engineering: Feb. 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Business and Manufacturing: Feb. 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Human Resource Professions: March 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Creative Professions: March 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Public Health and Health Professions: March 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
And now, some tips:
1) Practice good video etiquette
Career fairs will be virtual (through Handshake) again this Spring, so it’s important to practice good video interviewing etiquette. That means dress professionally, show up on time, and cut down on any distraction or background noise that could take an employer’s attention away from you. It’s also important to have a stable internet connection. Have spotty wifi at home? Consider reserving an individual study room at the library. The rooms are quiet, well lit, and always have reliable wifi.
2) Make sure your Handshake, LinkedIn profile and resume are updated
Employers will likely check your Handshake account before your meeting with them. Make sure you have the most updated version of your resume uploaded and fill out any other credentials you may want them to know about. Use Career Services resume resources to make sure your resume is top notch.
3) Come early and prepared
Plan to be at your appointments with employers 5-10 minutes before your scheduled meeting. This will give you some buffer time in case you’re having some technical difficulties or are running behind. It’ll also show employers that you’re prepared and help you make a good first impression.
4) Attend a Career Fair pop-up
It’s normal to feel a little nervous before attending the Career Fair. Attend one of the Career Fair pop-ups to help ease some of this anxiety (and get a better idea of what to expect at the fair). You’ll get some tips and tricks about how to talk to employers and make yourself stand out.
5) Do some research
Having some background information on the employers you plan to talk to is a good way to express your interest in their organization. Plus, it’ll help a conversation flow between you and the recruiter. And having background knowledge can help you come up with questions to ask.
5 ½) Keep an open mind!
Feel free to attend any and all of the Career Fair weeks. Don’t feel limited to the ones you feel are related to your major. Most of the employers attending each week are hiring for a wide range of majors and positions. Do some research, see which employers you think would be interesting, and go for it!