TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Career Services is helping students get ready to put their best foot forward.

The job search can be intimidating, especially when youre not sure what to say or even where to start.

“Career fairs are just such a great opportunity with so many employers coming to campus looking specifically to hire Troy students,” said Alicia Womack, the assistant director of Career Services. “So today’s workshop was really just kind of getting students prepared for that opportunity.”

Career Services’ Career Fair Playbook walked students through the steps that can help them feel prepared. For students looking to land their next job or internship, knowing how to make a good first impression can be just as important as the resume they hand over.

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“We talked about how to prepare for the career fair ahead of time before,” Womack said. “Getting your resume ready, getting your elevator pitch ready and then what to do when you get there. Knowing which employers you want to hit, how to introduce yourself with an elevator pitch and then how to follow up after that career fair.”

Even with a plan in place, walking up to a potential employer can still be intimidating.

“Career fairs can be kind of scary. I mean you’re going in talking to somebody you’ve probably never met before,” Womack said. “So if we can prepare ahead of time and know what we need to bring and engage employers into conversation then when were prepared, we feel a lot more confident.”

“We go in we are confident and our personality and who we are can shine through us at that point.”

Those details can answer some of the biggest questions that come with meeting employers face to face.

“We’re all looking for jobs and some of us don’t know like what to bring to career fairs or how to dress or like what questions to ask,” said Madison Young, a sophomore nursing major. “So I learned a lot of things from this today.”

With career fairs on the horizon, students now have more than a resume to bring with them. They have a better idea of how to introduce themselves, connect with employers and make the most of the opportunity.

The next career fair for all majors will be held in Trojan Arena on September 29.