SHREVEPORT – No matter what the economy is doing, college students and alumni alike can benefit from the personal, face-to-face connections that a career fair can offer.
But when the job market is becoming more competitive, LSUS director of Career Services Jennie Flynn-McKevitt said actively participating in career fairs is a must.
LSUS students and alumni will get that chance Nov. 12 at the annual LSUS Career and Internship Fair.
More than 40 employers representing industries such as healthcare, education, legal, law enforcement, local and state agencies, and financial services will be in attendance.
The event lasts from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on LSUS’s campus.
“In a ‘normal economy,’ doors open easier when people have personal connections,” Flynn-McKevitt said. “That’s even more true when jobs are more competitive.
“People don’t want to take a chance on an unknown entity, so if job seekers can put a face with a name articulate why they may be an asset to an organization, they are a lot more likely to give you a shot.”
LSUS students and alumni have chances to get professional resume help this week through Career Services.
Flynn-McKevitt and her team will be available for walk-in appointments on Wednesday at the Basic Needs Fair (10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), on Thursday in the Student Success Center (10:30-2 p.m.) and at Friday’s resume workshop “Writing a Career Fair-Ready Resume) from 11-Noon in the Student Success Center.
The top tip Flynn-McKevitt gives in her resume guidance?
“Connect the dots on your resume,” she said. “You need to offer evidence that you have the skills for the kind of job that you want to apply for.
“And that evidence is better when it includes concrete examples.”
Flynn-McKevitt suggested instead of saying that they assisted guests at the front desk, include insights like how many guests and for what reasons.
“What were the concrete outcomes from the help you provided?” Flynn-McKevitt said. “Whether it’s metrics like increased customer satisfaction or how the experience impacted or changed you personally.
Flynn-McKevitt added that all students would benefit from participating from the career and internship fair, even if they aren’t actively seeking a position in the coming months.
“It’s really smart to go and collect information about available opportunities,” she said. “Get comfortable talking with ‘grown ups’ and sharing information about yourself.
“Just hearing from working professionals about what they day-to-day is or what your future could look like should you pursue something with them is valuable.”
Recommended dress is business attire, but at least business casual for students that might not have access to professional attire.