MNPC JAIF 2014 - Message 14

Fair Goers:

1. Welcome to those who have recently registered for fair.  Please note that the almost daily updates on fair preparation are on the Career Development blog at http://www.gustavuscareercenterblog.blogspot.com.  PLEASE look at that info!  With over 215 of you….I will NOT be able to answer all individual questions about the basics – that are already answered in previous Updates and/or in the Fair Registration Booklet.
2. IF your resume is approved on GustieJobs you will have had the Fair Registration Booklet emailed to you.  The booklet has ALL the info about preparing for the fair.  So….get your resume uploaded and approved!
3. I now have 71 participants who do not yet have resumes approved on GustieJobs….please know that I am the only one who approves those resumes.  That means I read and edit all of them!  That means….PLEASE get these uploaded as soon as possible.  I do them as fast as I can, but it does take time. 
4. Again, I know it is not pleasant to have your resume declined, but truly….I want your resume to be as powerful as possible for fair.  You MUST have a resume for fair.  I approve the resumes because I want you individually to have effective resumes, I also want Gustavus resumes as a group to be good.  This is so that we brand Gustavus to employers as great candidates!
5. With that in mind, thank you to the 110 of you who have your resumes uploaded to the fair site at mnpcfair.org.  That is great.  We are still ahead of St. Thomas – they have 84.  So….get resumes done and uploaded!
6. Below are some answers to questions I have gottend.
7. I will post more info later today.

Cynthia

Q: How do I find out if companies are accepting pre select interview applicants? Does it say in company descriptions or do they all do it?

A: Yes!  The employer info on the fair website gives info about if they are doing pre-selects, interviewing at the fair etc.  BUT!  Do not lock in too hard on what the fair site says.  Employer reps often list that info early and then do not update it.  So….it is always good to send a letter and resume expressing interest and that you will stop by their booth.

Q: I was wondering if the pre-select letters we should be sending to employers are similar to cover letters or are they just a quick email saying that we would be interested in learning more about an internship opportunity and would like to schedule an interview?

A: In the Fair Registration Booklet there is a letter of what you should say. I have copied the letter below.  You can put the letter as the body of the email message.  If they are not doing interviews or not scheduling pre-selects, say you will stop by their booth.  It is always great to express your interest in their opportunities

Mr./Ms. Contact Name

Position/Department

Organization

Dear Mr./Ms. Name Here:

This is to request a pre-select interview at Minnesota’s Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair on Wednesday and Thursday, February 19 and 20, 2014 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  As the enclosed résumé indicates, I am seeking a career position in…

(Optional paragraph describing what you have demonstrated or gained that makes you a good candidate for the employer.)

I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about how I can contribute to (employer’s name).  *To arrange a pre-select interview with me, please call me at # or e-mail me at @.  I look forward to seeing you at the fair.

Sincerely,

Name

*If there are times that you will not be available during the fair hours, indicate that in your letter.