Spring 2009 WestPACS Job & Internship Fair
Largest job fair in the Pittsburgh region for college students and alumni.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
10am - 3pm
Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena (PISA)
Job seeker parking at Pittsburgh Mills
Students and alumni from WestPACS member schools may preregister online and attend at no charge OR may attend a walk-ins with a $10.00 fee (cash only). QUICK LINK to online registration for students and alumni from WestPACS member schools.
Students and alumni from schools outside the WestPACS consortium are welcome to attend as walk-ins. Walk-in registration is available the at the door. Cost is $10, cash. QUICK LINK for candidates from schools outside the WestPACS group.
The following will be required for admission:
For students - current resume and appropriate professional attire
For alumni - current resume and appropriate professional attire
If you have questions, please contact your school's career services office.
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION: All candidates attending the Spring 2009 WestPACS Job Fair MUST park at Pittsburgh Mills, located off Route 28, Exit 12A. Please use entrance #5 and follow the red Job Seeker signs to the reserved parking area behind the mall, near Linen N Things. Parking at Pittsburgh Mills and transportation to PISA is provided at no charge. Coach buses will be running continuously between Pittsburgh Mills and the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena starting at 9:00am. Handicapped parking will be available at PISA.
Wondering whether attending a job fair is worth it?
Consider the following advice:
Many students feel discouraged when they take the time to attend a job fair, only to have employers tell them to apply online. Employers encourage candidates to apply or post a resumé online because technology contributes to a more efficient and cost effective application process. However, both online and personal contacts with an organization are important aspects of the job search. What are the advantages of each?
The online application process:
Helps you to better present your qualifications at the job fair. After completing some online research of the organization and reviewing its application process, you are better prepared to approach the recruiter at the job fair.
Helps you to present how your qualifications meet the employer’s needs on your resumé and in your brief encounter with a recruiter at the job fair.
Improves your chances of getting a job. The more contact that you have with an organization, the more opportunities you have to present your qualifications.
A job fair:
Is a great opportunity to meet employers. Where else can you see many employers in one location, or be seen by them?
Is a necessary evil, but also an investment in your future. You probably won’t get a job offer at a fair, but you will make some contacts that may benefit you in the future.
Introduces you to the realities of the job search. When you’re in “a sea of candidates,” you become aware of the competition and you get a better idea of what it takes to get a job.
Provides you with a chance to explore employers and career opportunities that you never may have thought about.
Prompts you to do something about your resumé writing and interviewing skills.
Provides you with an opportunity for face-to-face contact with a recruiter and a chance to polish your networking skills (no matter how brief your contact is).
Is a great opportunity for situational leadership. Take charge and assert yourself. Get to be known!Face-to-face contact with employers is crucial in a competitive job market. You may send out hundreds of “faceless” resumés or online applications, but direct interaction with employers at a job fair allows you to deliver a “30-second commercial” selling your skills and personal qualities to the employer, ask questions, and make a great impression!
Some Words of Advice
As the Boy Scouts motto states, “Be prepared!” At any time, you should be prepared to apply online, complete a hard-copy employment application, present references or other documents, attend an information session, have dinner with a recruiter, and/or participate in an interview. Depending on the employer, all of these steps may be part of the application and hiring process. During your job search, you need to be prepared for any situation that could contribute toward securing a job.