Are you job hunting? Planning for your future career? Touro will be hosting its third virtual career fair on September 14th (you can find the details here). In the past year, Touro hosted two successful virtual career fairs, and we can say with confidence that both students and employers like the ease and convenience of this new format. It is likely that some virtual elements will be incorporated into our in-person career fairs in the future.

Virtual career fairs may be a new concept thanks to the covid pandemic but it’s still an excellent way to network and meet prospective employers. So, how can students best take advantage of this virtual career fair? Here are our top five tips to ensure you are ready for the big day.

1) Preparation is still key

Even though you may be attending the fair from your bedroom, it does not mean it takes any less preparation. To be successful, you will need to dress appropriately, create a winning resume, research your target employers, and hone your interview skills. Fortunately, your career services department specializes in helping you in these areas (see tip number two).

2) Reach out to career services ASAP

With the career fair taking place at the beginning of the semester, there is not much time to prepare. To take full advantage of this great opportunity, you need to meet with career services to get your resume, handshake account, and interview skills ready. Don’t wait! Make an appointment today by contacting Career.services@touro.edu.

3) Embrace the timing

While we understand that a September career fair may seem early with students focused on their class schedules and the Jewish holidays, it also presents a unique opportunity. Our regular career fair is usually in early October, which is late in the employers’ recruitment cycle. An early career fair means there are more available jobs and internships for our students at top companies!

4) Be virtual ready

There are some important tips to keep in mind when preparing for a virtual career fair. Employer appointments are on a first come, first served basis, so you need to register early and reserve your interviews. Once the interview sessions are taken, they are gone. In addition, make sure to have a reliable internet connection, in a quiet, clean room where you can focus on your interview. Put some books under your laptop so the camera is at eye level and make sure there is adequately and well-placed lighting so the interviewer can see your face.

5) Get ready to network!

Handshake recently announced that messaging will be enabled for the fall career fair. That means you can have longer conversations with and really promote yourself to the recruiters in attendance. We know this will be one of our best career fairs ever. Contact Career Services to get prepared today!