A panel discussion brought to the University by the Career Center informed students through expertise and humor how to be prepared for their job search, and the upcoming job and internship fair.

In the discussion, three panelists gave tips on cover letters, resumes, interviews and “working the Expo.” The panelists included Melissa Beam, who is the primary recruiter for NVR Homes; JoAnn Kroll, director of Career Center; and David Stanford, associate director of co-op education and internship programs at the Career Center.

When it comes to writing an effective resume, Beam suggests limiting it to one page. Include internships, co-ops, as well as relevant courses that have had semester-long projects.

She added that putting a grade point average on a resume is helpful if it is high, but not harmful if it is not. An interview offers an opportunity to explain why grades might not be exceptional.

“Good grades are helpful, but they do not indicate the type of employee you will be,” Stanford said.

He added that a resume should be neat, clean and easy to read. He also suggested that students use parents’ connections to help with networking. Having someone within the organization hand deliver a student’s resume is much more effective than mailing it, Stanford said.

“This is not the time to try to do things by yourself,” Stanford said. “Go to the bathroom by yourself, let your parents help you with networking.”

Concerning cover letters, Kroll said one must be included with a resume that is mailed or e-mailed. A cover letter should contain three things: Why a resume was mailed to that organization, what qualities the applicant could bring to the organization and request for an interview.

Kroll adds that a follow-up phone call after mailing a resume can set a person apart.

Call the employer and make sure the resume was received, tell them about yourself and ask for an interview, Kroll said.

Beam added that at Expo, a student’s presentation is just as important as resume and cover letter.

“There is nothing more powerful than a good introduction, a strong hand shake and a smile,” Beam said.

She said that students attending the job fair should know their resumes inside and out and be prepared to give a 30 second synopsis of themselves.

The panel added that appropriate clothing for the Expo and other job interviews include: A suit for men and a skirt or pant suit for women, shoes that “can hold a shine” for men and heels that can be walked in for women. They also advise against short skirts, cleavage, wrinkles in clothing and baggy pants.

In general, you don’t want your outfit to be the focus of the interview, Beam said.

During the interview, Kroll suggested asking questions that are specific and related to the organization.

Bream said asking about compensation during an interview can be a deterrent and ruin the flow of the interview. She suggested asking about pay after being offered the position

Chris Campbell, senior, will be graduating in August and found the discussion helpful and informative.

“I liked it because it gave an insider’s approach to hiring,” Campbell said. “It is good to get different perspectives, especially of the person making the decisions.”

The panelists also wanted to stress that it is never too early to start planning for graduation and taking advantages of the resources on campus that help.

The Expo Job Fair will take place Sept. 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Perry Field House. The career center will hold a workshop, “How to Work a Job Fair,” tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 201A of the Union.

For more information about the career center and their upcoming events, visit www.bgsu.edu/offices/sa/career.