Attend the Part-Time Job Fair

The Part-Time Job Fair is a hiring event at the beginning of each academic year that gives students an opportunity to connect with over 70 employers from across the IU Indianapolis campus and within the Indianapolis community. Visit employer tables that interest you to gather more information about local companies, organizations, and campus departments. 

The fair highlights over 1,500 open part-time positions, including on-campus, work-study, and community work-study opportunities. Attend to build your network, gain confidence in talking to employers, and apply for a part-time position that will earn you money and valuable experience while you’re in school.

Make a positive first impression on employers by coming to the fair dressed and ready to go. Consider these tips when preparing: 

• Make a plan: Before the event, view the list of employers attending, identify the ones you want to meet, and research them. Prepare questions you’d like to ask them. 

• Prepare your intro: Know and practice your introduction pitch. Include your major, career goals, interest in the employer, and unique selling point. 

• Polish your materials: Edit and print copies of your resume prior to the fair to hand out to employers. Attend a drop-in session in the Office of Student Employment for a resume review. 

• Dress for success: Wear business casual or business professional attire that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Limit the number of accessories you have on. 

• Rest and relax: Job fairs take a lot of energy. Make sure to rest before the event and plan for some time to reflect afterward. 

The benefits of the Part-Time Job Fair don’t have to end when the event does. Get the most from it by taking these steps: 

• Place the business cards you received in a location you will remember. 

• Follow up via email with those you met. Thank them for their time and restate your interest in them and their company. 

• Create and use a personal tracking system for your follow-up interactions. 

• Consider connecting with new contacts on LinkedIn. 

• Apply for jobs that intrigued you at the fair, and search for other part-time positions. 

Over 70 percent of jobs are obtained through networking, so make sure to follow up with employers, especially after submitting an application. Consider these tips when drafting follow-up emails: 

• Wait one to two weeks to send a follow-up email. 

• Keep the email brief. 

• Make your subject line simple, and include your name. 

• Use an appropriate greeting (“Dear,” “Greetings,” “Good morning,” etc.). 

• Reiterate your interest in the company, explaining why you are excited about connecting. 

• List your professional contact information and a kind request. For example, you may ask for a status update on your application. 

• Thank the individual and close with a formal phrase like “Regards.” 

• Add a professional signature with your name, contact, program, etc. 

If you applied for a job with the employer, include these extra details in your email: 

• The title of the position in the subject line 

• The date you applied and how you discovered the job. Express your interest in the role.