It may be cold outside, but it’s not too soon for students who are graduating to start pursuing employment options for the spring.

The Career Center is hosting the Spring Career Fair on Tuesday, February 21, in the Brown Ballroom from 4–7 p.m. to provide students and alumni a jumpstart on their job search for the spring. Recruiters from a number of companies, ranging from Fortune 500 companies, as well as small and mid-size business, local business, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations will be attendance seeking Redbird talent.

To help students prepare, the Career Center is hosting InstaCareer, a career preparation session on February 13 from 4–7 p.m. in the Bone Student Center. Participants rotate through various stations to learn first-hand from recruiters how to introduce themselves well to employers, make a good first impression, dress appropriately, research companies and positions, and follow-up with employers after career events.

The Career Center also provides a number of resources to help students to prepare for connecting with employers.

  • Career Resource Guide – Located on the Career Center website, this booklet is filled with helpful tips and advice such as how to construct an effective resume/CV and cover letter, commonly asked interview questions, and more.
  • Drop-in hours and Late-night Resume/LinkedIn Reviews – Receive quick feedback or helpful tips from trained Career Center representatives.
  • Career fair online video – Discover what a fair is like and useful tips when attending.
  • Illinois State University App – Visit your Google Play or App Store, search for the official Illinois State University App, then download the Career Center Guide to view a list of employers attending and the fairs, scan their open positions, and see where they are located at the fair.
  • Resume paper and printing, and business cards – These supplies are also available free to current Illinois State students to help them put their best foot forward at the fair.
  • Social media—The Career Center is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and uses social media to provide fair updates and helpful preparation tips.

In addition, students who are actively engaged in a Registered Student Organization (RSO), campus service program, Athletics, or are active in their community are invited to the Student Leader Reception held just before the Spring Career Fair starts. Students from all majors, class standing, and involvement are invited to meet employers who are seeking their initiative and leadership experience. Reservations are required to attend.

“The Career Center’s goal with these events is to providing students with opportunities to connect with employers seeking Redbirds as candidates,” said Career Center senior assistant director Maureen Roach. “The additional resources that we provide are designed to help them be successful when they connect.”

To request special accommodations or more information about the Spring Career Fair, contact the Career Center.