Dressed in business attire and holding her neatly typed resume, Thei Oo knows it’s all about presenting yourself at the 2006 Spring Job Fair March 6 at the University Student Union.

“I hope that by dressing like this, it will make a good impression,” said Oo, materials engineering major.

Oo’s colleague and friend, Phu The, a graduate engineering major who is working on her master’s degree, came dressed in a black blazer and slacks, which made her stand out from the other students dressed in jeans and clinging onto backpacks. She said the job fair is beneficial.

“I’m trying to get some internships for the summer,” The said. “Since I’ll be graduating in December, hopefully, I can get a full-time job as well.”

The event, sponsored by CSUN’s Career Center, allowed students from all academic levels an opportunity to meet representatives from 151 companies.

“This has been one of the largest in four years,” said Patricia Gaynor, the Career Center’s employer relations coordinator who organized the fair.

The event, which lasted three hours, lured eager students as they meandered through aisles of tables that represented companies from a wide variety of professions and industries, from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf to Target.

Free memorabilia sprawled out on tables enticed students to shake the hands of company representatives. From free pens to free water bottles, students’ eyes were seen gravitating toward the giveaways.

“To come in here and just gather a bunch of goodies is definitely not the route to take,” said Erik Alston of Answer Financial Inc., a web-based organization that has services aimed to help people make good decisions about buying various types of insurance.

Alston, a corporate recruiter, said students have to have a focus on what they want to do, and most importantly, should be ready to hand out their resume to the people behind the table and get informed.

“The important thing for people coming to a job fair is to have a resume,” the Howard University alumnus said. “(If) they don’t have a resume, it’s almost worthless to come to a job fair.”

Alston said students should always be asking for a business card, an e-mail, or even just a name.

“You want to get in and get as much information as you can because the people you talk to may be your next job,” Alston said.

He said students should know how to network.

“Networking is key,” Alston said. “Whether it’s entertainment, whether you’re a doctor or a lawyer, you will network.”

He said students should remember that getting a job comes down to who you meet.

“It’s 20 percent of what you know and 80 percent of who you know,” Alston said.

Brae Casillas, recruitment representative of Fox Studios, said it is important that students have an idea of what their interests are.

“We look for people who have a focus on a specific area they want to go in,” she said. “Someone who’s driven, enthusiastic and has a general idea of what they want to do.”

It was difficult to stop Josejuan Bustamante in his tracks as he stalked the tables for opportunities that might peak his interest.

“It’s a good experience and good exposure,” said Bustamante, senior communication studies major.

While still keeping an open mind on possible job opportunities, Bustamante has a strong desire to go into the entertainment industry.

“I’ve always wanted to work behind the scenes in production,” he said.

After spotting the table of UPN and CBS representatives, Bustamante said he has a chance to make some new connections with the reps.

“I’m gonna’ go and find out,” he said.

Nia Guleyon can be reached at nia_guleyon@yahoo.com.