Preparation Guide

The Business Opportunities Conference is a great place for you to network with actively recruiting companies. Firms from all fields will be in attendance, so get ready to polish your résumé, do some research, and make some connections!

  1. Professional Dress

    A strict business formal dress code policy will be enforced at the BOC. We wish for our students to communicate to the employers that they are ready to join their demanding and professional working atmosphere.

    Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

    Women
    • solid color, conservative suit jacket
    • matching slacks or knee-length skirt
    • coordinated blouse or button-down shirt
    • closed-toe shoes
    • limited jewelry
    • neat, professional hairstyle
    • tan or light hosiery
    • sparse make-up & perfume
    • manicured nails
    • portfolio or briefcase
    Men
    • solid color, conservative suit jacket
    • matching slacks
    • coordinated long sleeve button-down shirt
    • conservative tie
    • dark socks, professional shoes
    • neat, professional hairstyle
    • go easy on the aftershave
    • neatly trimmed nails
    • portfolio or briefcase

    Please also be respectful of other students and avoid bringing large backpacks. If you are coming from class, we will arrange for a place to safely keep your belongings while you attend the fair.

    We will not admit anyone who dressed inappropriately. No exceptions.


  2. Professional Attitude

    Be sure to act appropriately by being considerate of your peers and appreciative of the recruiters' time, thus reflecting a good image of the students at Carnegie Mellon. You should not narrow your target to only prestigious and large companies. Snubbing companies or acting arrogantly reflects badly on yourself, your program, and the university. At last, it's really important that you smile. Show the recruiters that you truly enjoy conversing with them. Make this one an enjoyable day, not a dreadful one.


  3. Have your résumé reviewed (again)

    Your résumé will be the only tool you will be physically carrying during the conference. Thus, you must make your résumé as flawless as possible to succeed at the job fair. The career center is offering résumé workshops throughout September prior to the conference. Take advantage of these workshops. Moreover, practice a one-minute speech on emphasizing the strongest points on your résumé. Be prepared to talk about everything on your résumé. Lastly, print your résumé on high-quality paper.


  4. Know Your Audience

    Knowledge is power. Research the companies. It will give you more to talk about with the employers. It also demonstrates that you have a strong interest in the company. In addition, you can relate your career interests with the company's strengths or mottos. A majority of the research process can be done through the companies' websites.