For The City Times Staff

Mid-State Technical College (Mid-State) has once again partnered with University of Wisconsin campuses in Marshfield, Stevens Point, and Wausau to host the Central Wisconsin Collegiate Job Fair from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23.  The Collegiate Job Fair, free to students and graduates, offers opportunities to connect with Wisconsin employers about career positions and internships.  The event will be held in the Dreyfus University Center Laird Room at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1015 Reserve Street).

Mid-State Student Life & Career Services Coordinator Stephany Hartman encourages Mid-State students and recent graduates who plan to attend to have many resumes on hand.

“Last year, we had 57 employers, and we are expecting the same kind of employer turnout again this year,” said Hartman.

A list of employers who are planning to attend is available at www.mstc.edu/jobfair.  The list will be updated as the event date nears.

Employers who attended in years past offered a number of tips to jobseekers.  For example, employers recommend that job fair participants research companies in advance and come prepared with a few questions they want to ask.  They also advise that students dress to impress, offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile.

“I also recommend that participants create and practice a mini presentation about themselves, no more than 20 to 30 seconds,” said Hartman.  “First impressions are very important.”

It is just as important to request business cards from employers so jobseekers can send thank you notes.

“A personal thank you following the job fair will really help the jobseeker stand out from other candidates,” said Hartman.

For more information, visit www.mstc.edu/jobfair.  Additional information is also available by calling Stephany Hartman at 715-422-5389 or Libby Heidmann at 715-346-4323.  Participants in need of special accommodations for a disability or special need are asked to notify their campus organizer by Feb. 16.