NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University students prepared to meet employers at the upcoming Fall Career Fair through a week of resume reviews, mock interviews and career fair preparation organized by Career Services.
Career Fair Prep Week, held Sept. 22-24, focused on resumes, interviews and career fair etiquette, including professional attire. The events gave students opportunities to receive feedback from employers, faculty and staff before the Fall Career Fair Tuesday, Sept. 29.
“The overall goal of Career Fair Prep Week was to increase our students’ marketability by ensuring they can effectively present themselves to employers,” said Tiffany Carrier, job location and development officer in Career Services. “We wanted the students to be fully prepared at every stage, from the first introductory handshake all the way through the interview process.”
Students began the week with walk-in resume reviews Tuesday, where volunteers reviewed resumes and provided feedback. Students participated in mock interviews Wednesday to practice answering questions and communicating with employers in an interview setting.
“The Mock Interview portion of Career Fair Prep Week helps students practice communicating with other people including employers,” Carrier said. “They get live feedback to help improve their interview skills and communication styles. Employers who volunteered also provide feedback on what makes candidates stand out to them at career fairs.”
Carrier said preparation can help students understand what employers are looking for and communicate how their experiences relate to potential jobs and internships.
“Students need to know employers’ expectations before walking into a Career Fair,” Carrier said. “Obtaining a job isn’t as simple as handing someone a resume. The best way for students to get hired is to be confident and articulate what skills they can offer based on their experiences, coursework and campus or community involvement.”
Career Fair Prep Week concluded Thursday with Fair Advantage, a seminar focused on networking, professional presentation and career fair etiquette. Through a partnership with NSU’s Department of Business, students could also browse the Career Closet for a free business outfit to wear for interviews and other professional opportunities.
Employers, faculty and staff volunteered throughout the week to work directly with students. Employer volunteers represented Boise Cascade, RoyOMartin and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Faculty and staff volunteers represented areas including business, creative and performing arts, hospitality management and tourism, psychology, economic development, financial aid, TRIO Student Support Services, Student Affairs and the Writing and Communication Center.
“It’s so nice to see the impact this event has on student confidence,” Carrier said. “I also want to commend the employers, faculty and staff who graciously volunteered their time to assist students.”
Enterprise Mobility sponsored Career Fair Prep Week through a financial contribution supporting career development activities. The funding provided students with items including resume document holders and journals for interviews, along with career padfolios and an iPad offered as prizes. Hope Bedell of Enterprise Mobility also volunteered as a mock interviewer, providing students with feedback from an employer perspective.
The Fall Career Fair will bring more than 40 employers and graduate schools to NSU Tuesday, Sept. 29. The event is open to students of all classifications and alumni seeking information about careers, internships, employment and graduate education.
“Regardless of a student’s classification, there are opportunities to explore career options at the Career Fair and potentially secure your future job or internship,” Carrier said.
For more information about career services at NSU or to schedule an appointment, contact the Career Center at (318) 357-5430 or visit https://www.nsula.edu/student-resources/career-center/.