Center for Career and Leadership Development Events
Regularly Scheduled Events
Event details are posted on Handshake
Career Fairs and Events
We offer a variety of career events throughout the academic year, from career-specific, to part-time to larger events with a broad range of employers to connect with and find your next opportunity.
Tips for a Successful Career Event Experience
Have your resume written, proofed, and printed
A resume should not be thrown together the night before the career fair.
This one-page document is a snapshot of your education, experience, and accomplishments. It’s crucial that you work to make your resume professional.
The Center for Career and Leadership Development offers resume review services via e-mail ([email protected]) and by appointment (call 423-425-4184 or visit UC 108).
Resumes are reviewed in the order they are received. It may take longer to receive feedback during peak times, such as before career fairs and around class assignment due dates.
Be well-groomed and have an outfit ready
Business professional (conservative) attire is recommended for most career events. The goal is to draw attention to your knowledge, skills and abilities. Looking the part will prevent potential distractions.
Research the companies that will be at the fair
Know who they are and what they do so you will stand out among other attendees. Reading up on some company news and happenings will go a long way.
Rehearse your elevator pitch
Practice saying your pitch out loud several times to memorize it and feel confident when saying it to recruiters.
Hints for a strong elevator pitch
Keep it short—45 seconds with great eye contact, a smile and enthusiasm.
Solve a problem—Example: “I am studying Communications because I love to engage others in a story. I am competitive and love to work on complicated tasks, and your client consultant position represents a great blend of the two.”
Read your audience—If someone finds a topic in your pitch to be engaging, it’s ok to talk about that topic a while longer. If you need to create a better connection, don’t be afraid to find a new topic to discuss.
Make it (professionally) personal—Share a related story, connect on a commonality and convey your enthusiasm.