UMGC students and alumni job seekers can discover new career opportunities by participating in the UMGC Virtual Career Fair. This event brings together multiple employers, enabling attendees to explore job openings and interact with recruiters on a single platform. One of the key benefits of the virtual career fair is accessibility, allowing individuals to connect with employers from anywhere in the world.
Read on to learn the steps to ensure success at your next virtual career fair!
Update Your Resume
When you register for the fair you’ll create a profile and be asked to upload your resume. To ensure that your resume is ready for recruiters, CareerQuest has two great tools to help you create or update your resume.
Once you have perfected and uploaded your resume for the fair, recruiters will have access to your resume before, during, and after the event.
Research Potential Employers
Next, you will want to take some time to review the Employer Matrix, which will give you an overview of the participating employers. Take the time to research those that interest you and any job openings that match your background and skills. This step is often overlooked but is crucial for moving forward in the process. If you find an opportunity that interests you, be sure to apply for it.
Researching ahead of time will ensure you are prepared to speak one-on-one with recruiters, and applying for a position before the fair will demonstrate your genuine interest in their organization and its career opportunities.
Join a Prep Session
Before the fair, attend one of the UMGC Virtual Career Fair Prep Sessions to learn more about the event, open positions, how to navigate the platform, and to practice your elevator pitch. Each prep session is interactive and will feature a guest speaker—typically an employer scheduled to attend the fair. During each session, UMGC career advising specialists will share ways to make the most out of the career fair.
Register for a prep session on the CareerQuest events page.
Practice Your Pitch
One of the great aspects of a virtual career fair is the opportunity for attendees to chat one-on-one with recruiters. This makes clear, effective written communication a top priority. Take the time to write, edit, and refine your written introduction. Your introduction should highlight your key strengths and qualifications, express interest in the organization or industry, explain how your skills and interests align with the employer's needs, and feature your personal 'why.'
Your pitch should be concise and written in full sentences. Avoid slang and emojis. Prepare a few questions in advance for each recruiter to maximize your time with them and take detailed notes during the event.
As always, keep in mind that UMGC Career Services is available to help you plan and achieve career success. Set up an appointment with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist for additional support in your career journey.
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