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Greater Kansas City Employer Fair
The Greater Kansas City Employer Fair is
an annual event co-sponsored by Missouri and Kansas colleges
and universities, including Avila University. It is
held early in the Fall semester from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on
the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus. This year's
event will be September 24, 2008. Admission is free
to current students and alumni of the sponsoring
schools. The cost for all others is $10. For
more information, click here.
Heart
of America Employer Fair
The Heart of America Employer Fair is another
co-sponsored event held every spring. The 2009 fair will be
held on April 1, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The University
of Missouri-Kansas City. The same guidelines are in
effect as above. For
more information, click here.
These events are not just for seniors!
All Avila students can benefit and obtain job leads for part-time
and full-time employment as well as for internship opportunities.
Why You Should Attend an Employer/Job Fair |
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- To meet 100+ potential employers.
- To increase your visibility.
- To learn more about career opportunities.
- To practice your job search skills and etiquette.
- To network and exchange information.
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Preparing For a Successful Experience at an Employer/Job Fair
- Set a goal. Are you planning to network, gather information, or make job contacts?
- This is an important event, reserve time in your schedule to attend.
- Develop or update your résumé. Assistance
is available in Avila's Career Services.
- Plan to bring several copies of your résumé with you to the Fair.
- Prepare a thirty-second commercial to introduce yourself to employers.
- Begin with your name, interest in their organization, and relevant skills.
- Suit up! Dress for the occasion by wearing professional clothes. This makes a great first impression!
- Plan to make as many contacts as time allows.
Remember, leads often come from the most unexpected sources.
Making the Fair Work for You
- Register in the north lobby of UMKC's Swinney Recreation Center.
- Sign in, pick up a contact list, and make yourself a name tag.
- Review the contact list, anticipated openings, and the location of the booth of the organizations in which you have an interest.
- Walk around to locate employers and observe the Fair in action. This will help you to relax and become more confident.
- Be prepared to offer a firm handshake, your thirty-second commercial, and questions you may have. This is NOT the time to discuss salary.
- Be patient if employers have a line of students waiting to speak with them.
- Wait your turn.
- Leave a copy of your résumé with the employer representative and ask for a business card from employers offering opportunities that are a good match for you.
- Be sure to follow up by sending a note within 48 hours of the Fair.
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What Employers Look For
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Honesty |
Assertiveness |
Communication skills |
Positive attitude |
Interpersonal skills |
Enthusiasm |
Motivation |
Experience in field of interest |
Follow-through |
Strong work ethic |
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