Career Fairs

Twice a year, Student Employment Services staff, along with the Wisconsin Job Center - La Crosse and the La Crosse Tribune, organizes a career fair designed to bring students, alumni and faculty in touch with employers who are interested in hiring graduates. CareerFest is held at the La Crosse Center in downtown La Crosse. Through the sponsorship of the La Crosse Tribune, we're able to offer a variety of advertising options.

Benefits of Participation:

  • Meet a large number of prospective employees
  • Build up your resume database
  • Pre-Screen Applicants for current or future staffing demands
  • Learn more about our degree programs from Western instructors
  • Gain exposure to the community
  • Commitment free environment
  • Nominal fee

Upcoming Dates for CareerFest:

September 23, 2008.

If your organization is interested in participating in our CareerFest, contact Karol Parr by email or phone 608.785.9440.

About Career Fairs

What is the purpose of a career fair?

To match employers with potential employees.

However, in order for this to happen, communication must take place. Yet, to many, the idea of walking into a career fair can seem an intimidating prospect. You may ask yourself, "What should I say?", "how should I dress and what should I bring?" or "how do I know which employers I should talk to?" and "will they interview me on the spot?". To answer these questions and others as well, keep reading on.....

First, realize that the employers have come to the career fair to meet as many potential applicants as possible. They want to talk to you no matter what your background might be. Nothing is more frustrating to employers than watching people walk past their display without any inquiry whatsoever. Employers are offering you the opportunity to ask questions and talk about your interests within a commitment free environment. If you feel you could use some practice talking about yourself to employers, this is the place to sharpen those skills. In addition, take a second look with as many employers as possible because even though you might assume the Madison Police Department is only interested in meeting people with police science backgrounds, they might be looking even harder for some administrative assistants!

How to prepare?

Dress the part

Dress as you would for an in person application or interview at their place of employment (some career fairs even enforce a dress code). The majority of what we 'say' or communicate to people is conveyed with our nonverbal communication and the way we present ourselves (grooming, clothing, expression, posture). With this in mind, answer "how do I wish to present myself to a potential employer?"

Bring your resume or business card

Employers want to take back information about the potential applicants they met during the day of the event. Help them remember you by bringing along a good supply of your resumes. If you do not have a resume prepared, it is very acceptable to bring your business card which is simply a card with your name, address, phone number and vocation or areas of expertise. These are easy to make through most software word processing programs and the cards can be purchased through the majority of office supply stores. Keep track of the businesses so you can follow-up with a personal phone call or resume or cover letter later. If you would like help creating a resume, visit the Wisconsin Job Center on 8th and Pine where four computer stations are open to the general public and other job seeking skills assistance is available.

Ask Questions

Employer representatives are fully prepared for you to interview them. Asking questions will reveal sincere interest and your knowledge of the field and/or company. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

  • What are your common entry-level positions?
  • What type of training is offered in their company?
  • Are there specific courses or other requirements you look for in prospective employees?
  • What are characteristics of people who are successful in the organization?
  • What specific skills and talents are useful the organization?
  • How do they see jobs in this field changing in the future?
  • What do you think of my resume? How would you suggest that I change it to make the most of my background?
  • What do you think of the experience or skills I have so far in terms of entering this field?
  • Could I contact you at a later date to follow-up on our conversation?
  • Ask about their common screening process (application, group interviews, pre-employment testing, etc.) i.e. what would I expect in an interview for this position?
  • What are the obligations outside the normal workweek?
  • What would the ideal candidate bring to this position?
  • Ask questions about their products or services or the locations of the company and/or management/leadership style.
  • Prepare your questions ahead of time, if possible. Take notes too, it shows that you are a serious job seeker.

Prepare a summary of your qualifications

You will be asked questions too. Many employers will be prescreening candidates for a more formal interview later. A recent article from Career Opportunities News suggests that job candidates should prepare a short (two-minute or less) summary of their qualifications and interests. Your summary should touch on your education, some work experience related to the field or position being discussed, and something about your interpersonal skills. For example, in response to an employer question such as "Could you tell me a little about yourself?" one might state, " Most recently, I have been working in a customer service position which involves working with the general public in a fairly fast paced environment. In addition, I am experienced in several accounting software programs. I keep up with the latest developments in the field through evening training programs or workshops. I believe I thrive in a work environment that promotes initiative and self reliance." Most important is that you highlight your related achievements and your enthusiasm will naturally show through.

Learn who is coming ahead of time

If you find out who is coming ahead of time you can narrow down your list to the employers who appear to interest you the most. Furthermore, you will be better able to prepare your questions and summary of your qualifications if you have knowledge of who you will be talking to.

Smile and Enjoy Yourself

A career fair is a commitment free environment for open exchange of information and ideas between employers and potential applicants. It is a great place to talk to a large number of employers who are very willing to talk to you about potential employment opportunities and career exploration ideas.
Above all else, be yourself. Better yet, be yourself on your best day!