THE CUNY BIG APPLE JOB FAIR
Friday, March 20, 2009
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM (No entry after 4:00 PM)
The Jacob Javits Center
River Pavilion and Galleria
Entrance is on 11th Avenue and 34th Street
Manhattan

This fair is exclusively for CUNY students graduating this year from degree programs, for students applying for internships advertised by participating employers, and for recent CUNY degree program graduates. (No one accompanying CUNY students/graduates or seeking entry because they offer services, or want to observe, or speak with recruiters will be admitted.)

ALL MAJORS - ALL DEGREE TYPES INVITED

Graduating CUNY Students: Visit your college Career Services office for assistance preparing for the fair. On March 20th, you will need to bring your updated résumé and current CUNY college ID to the fair to gain admission.

CUNY Alumni: Present your résumé to gain admission on March 20th.

• Prepare for the fair by researching the employers that will be there. Starting March 1st, check the "Search Participating employers" page on this site on a periodic basis for updated information on registered employers and the types of jobs they will be recruiting for at the fair.
• Only students dressed in appropriate business attire will be admitted: Men — suit, sports jacket, tie; Women — suit, dress, skirt and jacket. No casual attire.
• See an advisor in your college Career Services office for assistance in polishing your résumé. You will need 25 copies to give to employers.
• Notify Career Services as soon as possible if you will need accessibility accommodations (e.g. interpreters for deaf or hard of hearing students) at the fair.
• Make sure to put your e-mail address on your résumé. If you don't have an e-mail address appropriate for employers, get one now and use it on your résumé.
• To take maximum advantage of the fair, arrive early. Remember admission is not guaranteed if the venue becomes full to capacity.
• To maximize your opportunities for success, be prepared to spend at least two hours at the fair.
• Present yourself positively when you meet with employers! This is when the research you did starts to pay off. Let the recruiter know you understand the organization’s business and briefly explain how your skills and knowledge can benefit the organization’s goals.
• Due to increased security concerns, backpacks, briefcases and carry-alls will be subject to search at the fair. Participants are strongly advised not to bring them to the Javits Center. Use folders or large envelopes for your résumés.

• Have a job-search plan and keep good records of your contacts and resources.
• Your résumé is your marketing tool. Revise your résumé and make sure that you target it to the position you are applying for. Avoid using a résumé that is too general.
• Don’t mail your résumé without a personalized cover letter. Your cover letter should be well written and should briefly and effectively highlight the strengths you have that are critical for the position you are applying for.
• Don’t limit yourself to one single job-search approach; use different methods and resources such as directories, newspapers, online postings, etc. Also remember that networking is an effective job-search technique. Use your support systems, including family contacts, friends, past and present internships and employment contacts, etc.
• Thoroughly research the organization before you go for the interview.
• In the interview, always stress your skills, accomplishments and strengths as they relate to the job you are interviewing for. Have a 30 seconds to two minutes-long pitch about yourself containing the most relevant information you want the interviewer to know.
• Be flexible and have reasonable expectations about the type of organization, position, and salary you are willing to pursue. If you see the possibility that a full-time job opportunity might eventually open for you at a particular organization, you might want to consider taking a temporary or part-time position with that employer in the meantime.
• Relocation should also be an option you fully consider. You may be able to get exactly the kind of job you want by being willing to move. That would give you the kind of work experience you want on your résumé, which in turn could open more doors for you in the future.
• Learn how to deal with rejection in your search and how to learn from it. If you get rejected for a job, use the experience to prepare yourself better next time. Avoid feeling sorry for yourself or blaming others. You should always ask yourself: How can I improve for the next time?
• Contact your college’s Career Services office to get additional information.