On Tuesday, October 3rd, Fitchburg State University’s Career Services hosted an Intern Fair in the Main Lounge of Hammond Hall. The event drew companies from a variety of industries and career paths that students may consider. At times, when students attend such events, they might meander, feeling their primary goal is to collect freebies and flyers, and perhaps grab a bite to eat. So, how can students, regardless of their university affiliation, ensure they’re well-prepared when they step into a career services event to not only leave with some branded swag but also take a meaningful stride forward in their career journey?

The initial rule when attending any career fair is to arrive armed with a resume. Although this may seem like common knowledge, it’s a detail that can easily slip the minds of university students. But how do you begin, especially if you don’t yet possess a resume? The first step involves a ‘Brain Dump’: jotting down all the jobs you’ve ever held. Even if you’re in the early stages of your career and your work experience seems somewhat insignificant, it’s essential to set aside any reservations and proceed with the ‘Brain Dump.’ Once you’ve compiled your list of positions, you can move on to the second phase: Ranking.

In the ranking phase, you’ll need to prioritize your work experience and skills used in that job in order of their significance. For instance, a babysitting job at 16 may carry a different weight than a grocery bagging position at 18. Furthermore, a front desk position will rank higher than your previous bagger position. Once you’ve assigned a rank to each of your job experiences, you can select the top 1-4 or 1-5 positions to include on your resume. You can exclude every other position you have previously acquired.

You’re geared up and set for the “Skills Stage.” It’s important to emphasize that we’re not simply listing job duties, but rather, highlighting the skills you gained during your tenure. For instance, if you had a summer gig as a Whole Foods bagger, you didn’t just “bag groceries, scan items, and greet customers.” Well, maybe you did, but for now, let’s dig a bit deeper. What you truly accomplished was “Developing valuable skills like keen attention to detail, efficient time management, and effective communication, all while consistently providing exceptional customer service to patrons.” See? Now we’re talking.
Lastly, when it comes to formatting your resume, feel free to express your individual style. In a world where many resumes appear strikingly similar, the format you choose can set you apart. However, always bear in mind that legibility is key; clear, dark text on a lighter background is typically the most reader-friendly choice.

Websites like Canva.com offer fantastic templates to help you kickstart your resume and prepare for your upcoming Career Fair. Once your resume is complete, consider printing it out to assess how it appears on paper. As your job search evolves and you aim for a more refined presentation, you might even consider opting for thicker paper or paper with texture to distinguish yourself from other candidates.