Spring 2010 WestPACS Job & Internship Fair
Largest job fair in the Pittsburgh region for college students and
alumni.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
10am - 3pm
Monroeville Convention Center
We are back in Monroeville at the brand new
Monroeville Convention Center (at Business 22 and Monroeville Mall) - just steps away from
the former Pittsburgh ExpoMart.
Students and alumni from WestPACS member schools may pre-register online and attend at the discounted $5.00
pre-registration fee (cash only, paid at the check in table the day of the fair) OR may attend as 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 only. 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.
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 résumé 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” résumés 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.