The most important suggestion received from employers is that students research each company they wish to meet prior to entering an employers virtual booth. Do not ask recruiters what positions they have open or what they can do for you. Know the company’s mission and cultural values and which positions are open by viewing Handshake, our in-person Expo company list, or the company's website. The more informed you are, the better your chances are of promoting your abilities and securing an interview.

Prepare. Do not wait until the last minute — coaching appointment availability will be limited as the event date draws closer (prepare for extended wait times). Find your major-specific career coach's contact information so you can make an appointment. The Office of Career Management also takes digital drop-in appointments Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check Blackboard to find the link for drop-in appointments.

Make your appointment at least three weeks prior to EXPO in order to better prepare yourself, your resume and your pitch.

Questions? Contact the Office of Career Management at 803-777-0149.

You have 30 seconds to tell the employer how you can add value to their organization and how your qualifications fit their hiring needs. Do your research, practice in the mirror, practice with a friend and contact your career coach for guidance on crafting the perfect pitch. 

Questions? Contact the Office of Career Management at 803-777-0149.

First impressions last, so put your best foot forward.

Ladies: Wear dress slacks or a skirt that falls at or below the knee, paired with a suit jacket and a dress shirt or blouse. Make sure your hair isn't covering your name tag. Tight fitting or low cut clothing is not considered professional.

Gentlemen: Wear a dark suit, iron your shirt and slacks, wear a tie, nice shoes and make sure your hair is nicely groomed. If you don't have a suit, a dark sports coat and slacks will do. 

Modest dress is best for networking events. If you have questions, contact one of our career coaches in OCM at 803-777-0149.

A few tips for the in-person EXPO:

• Dress to impress
• Bring multiple copies of your resume 
• Bring a padfolio to hold your resumes and take notes
• Bring a smile and lots of confidence; they're here to recruit you

Keep your questions professional (no slang) and brief.

Give employers your 30 second pitch, maintain eye contact, and make sure to ask questions that show you have researched the company and the position.  

We know you'll be nervous, and so do the employers. That's okay. Just make sure you speak loudly enough to be heard, clearly enough to be understood and eloquently enough to show off how awesome you are. 

MAKE SURE YOUR PHONE IS ON SILENT OR VIBRATE and out of sight during all discussions with recruiters. 

Pro Tip: Make a practice run with one of your peers or with the OCM staff. You can reach the OCM at 803-777-0149.

Make sure you close your pitch by asking the recruiter the best way to follow up and when to do it. Most importantly, follow their directions. Request contact information if it's available, or find it on LinkedIn or the company website. It's YOUR responsibility to find the information. 

After leaving the virtual booth, take a moment to jot down a few key things you learned to include in your follow-up email. 

If you have a recruiter's contact information, you'll want to follow-up within 48 hours.  Send a short email thanking them for speaking with you at the event, express enthusiasm for the position and ask about next steps in the hiring process.