Essential Information for Students and Alumni
Admission is restricted to students and alumni from a degree/diploma program at Conestoga College, University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, or Wilfrid Laurier University.
Employers typically promote full-time, co-op, and summer roles at P4E events. If you are looking for part-time work you can contact your career centre for support.
Date: September 25, 2024
Location: Manulife Sportsplex at RIM Park
Time: To be determined, attend when you are available
Preparing for Job Fair
- Review the list of employers attending the event to create a short list of those you want to speak to. Research gives you material to use in conversations, shows initiative, and allows you to ask relevant questions. If you don't see employers that interest you your job search may be more specialized, Career Consultants at your Career Services office will be able to help!
- Update your resumé. Each partner school will be helping students and alumni prepare for the event, contact your Career Services office to learn more.
- Don't "wing it." Practice how will you introduce yourself and know what knowledge, skills, and attitudes you want to highlight.
- Make sure your profile on LinkedIn is up to update, it may help to have someone else review it.
- The Fair is a great opportunity to learn about organizations; consider asking:
- What are the main soft and technical skills that your organization looks for in a new hire?
- What type of person succeeds in your organization?
- Are there internship or co-op opportunities in this field?
- What disciplines do you typically hire from?
- What kind of relevant 'work/volunteer/extra-curricular' experience is considered for employment with your organization?
- Does your organization support internal and external training and development?
- What criteria does your organization use to assess candidates during an interview?
- Are there any professional networking opportunities that you would recommend?
- What advice do you have for university or college students/graduates regarding their job search?
- How would you describe the culture of your organization?
- Dress so you feel confident and comfortable meeting with employers. For some this could be a suit, for others it may a nicer version of their daily wear. Searching for 'business casual' can give you some ideas.
Getting to the Fair
- Bus transportation is available from each school.
- Grand River transit route 202 has a stop at RIM Park.
- Parking is available but tends to fill quickly. Overflow lots are available a five-to-ten-minute walk from the event; a shuttle will run on a continuous loop from the overflow lots
What to expect at the Fair
- When you arrive you will swipe in with representatives from your school, have your student/alumni ID ready.
- Print floor plans with a list of employers sorted by the type of roles they are recruiting for will be available.
- Career Consultants will be onsite if you have a quick question or if you need support. If you would like someone to review your resumé it is best to do it before the event.
- Job Fairs can get crowded and are noisy. You may need to wait to speak with some employers.
- Some employers will direct you to submit your application online while others will accept resumés at the event, be prepared for both. Even if you apply online after the event it is worthwhile to attend - you can mention meeting with the organization in your cover letter.
- Photocopy facilities are not available onsite, make sure you bring enough resumés!
- RIM Park will have a concession stand open if you require food or drink.
- Send thank you notes.
- Connect on LinkedIn.
- Follow-up on any suggestions they may have given.
