What is the attire?   

Conservative business attire is essential because image and first impressions are critical. Students are required to dress business professional attire in order to enter the Career Expo or you will not be allowed inside. Click here to see more information on business professional attire. 

More resources can be found at http://www.symsdress.com

Hints for Dress for Success for Men and Women
Attention to details is crucial, so here are some tips for both men and women. Make sure you have:

• clean and polished conservative dress shoes
• well-groomed hairstyle
• cleaned and trimmed fingernails
• minimal cologne or perfume
• no visible body piercing beyond conservative ear piercing for women
• well-brushed teeth and fresh breath
• no gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth
• minimal jewelry
• no body odor

Men
The standard job interviewing attire for men is a conservative dark navy or gray two-piece business suit (of natural fibers, such as wool, if possible), a white long-sleeved button-down dress shirt, a conservative silk tie (that matches the colors in your suit), and nicely polished dress shoes.

Women
The standard job interviewing attire for women is a conservative dark navy or gray skirted wool blend suit.

Other conservative colors -- such as beige or brown -- are also acceptable. Red is a power color. A blazer with blouse and skirt is a possible second choice to a suit. You should always wear a jacket.

Skirt length should be a little below the knee and never shorter than above the knee -- no night club attire here. Avoid wearing a dress (unless accented with a jacket). Blouses should be cotton or silk and should be white, or some other light color. Shoes should be low-heeled.

Make-up should be minimal, with lipstick and nail polish conservative tones. Pantyhose should be flawless (no runs) and conservative in color. Do not have excessive body odor or cologne.

Who can attend?

All majors, business or non-business are welcome to attend! However, you must be an undergraduate UT student. We will be checking student IDs at the entrance. The expo will better prepare you for future expos and is a great networking opportunity. Many of the same companies (and recruiters) that attend the Career Expo also attend in the spring to recruit for internships or full time jobs.

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 Preparation/Before the Expo

1. Develop a Strong Resume: Highlight your skills and accomplishments. The document should be error-free, concise and graphically pleasing. Don’t forget to make several copies, since you’ll probably visit with more than one employer.  For help with resumes, The McCombs Career Services and Peer Advisors are available to help in the business school.  For additional help, go to Resume DO’s and DON’T’s

 2. Get or Make Business Cards (optional) : You can buy blank business cards at stores like Office Depot, and then use a computer and laser printer to create some personalized cards. List your name, contact information, and perhaps your major and the careers you’d like to pursue after graduation.

 3. Study the Organizations Attending the Fair: Identify and research prospective employers . Nothing impresses an employer less than a student asking, “So what do you guys do?” Instead, be one of the few students who knows something about each of the companies. The more informed you are the more likely you will be positively remembered.  Also, develop a list of questions to ask recruiters .

 4. Develop a 30-Second Commercial: “Tell me a little about yourself.” You’re likely to get that invitation from many of the employers at the fair. So spend a little time beforehand figuring out your response. Think of your reply as a 30-second, self- promotional commercial you’ll deliver to each employer who asks.

5. Choose Proper Attire: The attire for students is Business Professional. To see details and information, check out “Attire.”

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What to expect on the day of the Expo

1. Check in tables will provide name badges with your major. Name badges should always be on your right side.
2. There will be a room for students to store their bags and personal items
3. Maps of the floor plan and company list will be handed out to students upon request

During the Expo

1. Introduce Yourself and Shake Hands: In many ways, a career is a test of your social skills. While employers are almost always friendly and outgoing, they’ll expect the same of you.  Present a smile, a strong handshake, and a positive attitude. First impressions are important. Approach an employer, smile, and offer your hand when you introduce yourself.  Four keys in making a good impression are:

• Short introduction using a natural, but forceful voice (especially if you are typically a quiet person; but please, no shouting)
• Strong eye contact
• Firm handshake (not limp, damp, or bone-crushing)
• Gentle smile

2. Dress to Impress: In most cases, you’ll want to dress professionally to attend a career fair. Sometimes business casual is fine, but don’t go too casual. When in doubt, overdress. Substitute a briefcase or bag for your backpack; you want to look less like a student and more like a future professional.

3. Ask Intelligent Questions

4. Focus on What You Can Offer: You’ll be a refreshing change to most company representatives if you tell them what you can do for them and their organizations instead of asking what they can do for you.