Your resume should be strategically written to briefly and effectively communicate your experience. Resumes allow employers to gain an understanding of your skills, abilities, and achievements. The fundamental purpose of a resume is to secure an interview and move to the next step of the process.

An employer may only look at a resume for 30-45 seconds. This means that your resume should be strategically written to briefly yet effectively communicate your message. The position type and industry may dictate the final length of your resume, but you should be able to summarize your most relevant experiences on one page.

You should tailor your resume (skills and experiences) for the specific position(s) you are applying for. To make this process easier, you may want to write a “Master Resume” that describes all of your experiences, achievements, accomplishments, etc. in detail. Then, you can pull from the master resume to create a shorter, tailored document.

For an up-to-date list of employers, visit Gator CareerLink.

While you are looking at the registered employers, don’t forget to check out the employer’s profile, available positions and the organization’s website. Make a list of the top 5-10 employers you plan to speak with and have well-thought-out questions to ask them.

• Gator 1 Card or Gator 1 ID Number for admission in to the event
• Professional attire is encouraged
• Many copies of your resume (updated & proofread)
• Notepad and pen to jot down notes of your conversations with employers to use during your follow-ups
• List of priority schools and organizations to visit
• List of questions to ask the employers (hiring timelines, requirements, and other items not answered on their website)
• Keep an open mind and talk to many different schools, districts, and organizations, you never know which your right fit is.

Employers may invite you to participate in an interview during the fair, and it’s best to be prepared for that opportunity. Interviews provide the opportunity to communicate your skills and experience to employers as you learn about the position and organization you’re applying to. There may be several qualified candidates, but you should be able to explain what makes you unique and why your experiences qualify you for their organization. Interviews are also an opportunity to gauge whether an organization is a good fit for you. Learn strategies on how to prepare for your interview here.