| Frequently Asked Questions about
CONNECTION |
| |
| Q. |
What's a co-op and
what's an internship? |
| |
Great question. See: What's
a co-op and what's an internship? |
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|
| Q. |
Do I have to register
to attend the fair? |
| A. |
No. Just be there. Be clear
on whether you are looking for a one-term or summer experience (internship)
or a multi-work-term experience (co-op), because each employer at
the fair specifies whether they are hiring for internships, co-ops
or both. |
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|
| Q. |
Do I have to do
anything before I go? |
| A. |
Of course. See how
to prepare and what to do at a job fair. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What do I take? |
| A. |
Resumes. Take enough copies
for the employers attending whom you'd like to speak with (plus a
few extras). |
|
To prepare your resume (or
make sure the one you think is good really is), see resume
guidelines. Or read the Career Services Career Planning Guide
(free when you visit our office). |
|
Carry a padfolio to hold
your resumes so you look organized. Employers would rather hire organized
people than unorganized people, so look like you're the right type. |
|
Be aware that a some employers may not accept paper resumes; instead they may require
you to follow an on-line application process on their organization
web site (may be necessary to handle the volume of resumes / applications
they receive). Even employers who accept resumes may also require
you to follow an on-line process. Don't be discouraged; this is just
the reality of the recruiting process for many organizations. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Should I carry a
briefcase? |
| A. |
Not unless you will be carrying
briefs or other large quantities of necessary material. A padfolio
is sufficient and works great. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What if I don't
have a resume? Can I still go? |
| A. |
Sure, if you absolutely
can't get a resume together before going. Just be prepared to tell
employers about yourself. Get contact information from the employers
who interest you so you can send a resume after the fair. Get one
done quickly, and send it as soon as possible — preferably within
a week (or otherwise if the employer instructs you otherwise). |
| |
|
| Q. |
Do I need to take
my transcripts to CONNECTION? |
| A. |
It is not necessary, but
you can if you'd like. Some employers may ask to see your transcript,
or want you to send it / provide it later. |
|
An official transcript is
not necessary at this point, but if you want one, you must request
this from the University
Registrar. See the Registrar's
instructions to do so (and be aware that there is a fee). Get
one, and make your own photocopies for the fair. |
|
Unofficial transcripts are
acceptable to most employers at this stage in the recruiting process.
To get yours, use Hokie
SPA. |
|
We don't have access to
your transcripts at Career Services. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What do I wear? |
| A. |
Fair day: Business
casual |
| |
Interview day: Interview
attire |
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|
| Q. |
What employers will
be there? |
| A. |
Employer registration occurs
November through mid-January prior to the February fair. Registered
employers will be posted mid-January.
"Employers registered
to attend" is the first item on the student
welcome menu. On that list you'll see whether each employer is
seeking interns, co-ops, or both, and majors being sought. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Can I see the list
of employers AFTER THE EVENT? |
| A. |
Yes, for a while.
After the event is over, we leave the list of registered employers
online for reference — but just for a little while. Unfortunately,
we've found that people look at the OLD list and assume it's the
UPCOMING list, even if we put big orange simple words explaining
otherwise, and they misunderstand the information and complain.
Alas, it seems that many people just don't read. (You, having read
this far, being the bright exception.)
Employers
who registered to attend the 2008 PAST event |
| |
|
| Q. |
Can I see contact
info for employer representatives who attended AFTER THE EVENT? |
| A. |
Yes, IF they gave us a business
card (we ask all to, but it's their choice) and IF you are a currently
enrolled student (you must log in to view).
After the event is over, we leave this information online for reference
for students who would like to find contacts for the purpose of
writing THANK-YOU LETTERS and doing OTHER APPROPRIATE FOLLOW UP.
Current-student
login to view employer contact info. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What if an employer
isn't looking for my major? Can I talk to them? |
| A. |
Yes, if you have a good
reason. Do you know something about the organization that gives you a reason
to think they might hire someone with your skills? Did you research
their web site or talk with someone in their organization already?
Is your major similar to the ones they are looking for? Some employers
are very flexible about whom they with speak with. Some aren't. Just
be ready and look like you did your homework, and are not just randomly
asking for no reason. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What do I say to
employers? |
| A. |
See how
to prepare and what to do at a job fair. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How can I get interviews? |
| A. |
See how
to get interviews at CONNECTION (including why your voice mail
message should be appropriate). |
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|
| Q. |
What if I get a
job offer? |
| A. |
Congratulations! Before
you accept: |
|
If an employer makes you
an offer, you may wish to finish any remaining interviews you have
scheduled before accepting. You are not obligated to accept an offer
immediately. |
|
If you do accept an offer,
you are bound to your word. You can't change your mind. Backing out
after saying yes is called "reneging" and it's extremely
uncool. (And just because someone else does it, doesn't make it right.
You've heard that before, I bet.) So don't accept until you are sure. |
|
When you do accept an offer,
cancel any upcoming interviews. Courteously explain that you've accepted
another offer and thank the employer genuinely for his/her interest
and time spent with you. |
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|
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If you accept an offer for
a full-time, paid co-op or internship position, and you wish to be
enrolled in the Career
Services Co-op / Internship Program, see information for
students enrolling / enrolled in the program. |
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|
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If you accept an offer for
a part-time and/or unpaid internship position: |
|
— |
Follow the instructions
of the employer and the procedures of your academic department. Some
(not all) academic departments allow academic credit for approved
internships. |
|
— |
For part-time and/or unpaid
internships, you do not register with the Career Services Co-op /
Internship Program. |
