Get out the resumes and polish up those professional skills. It's time to impress the 116 companies attending this semester's Career Fair Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth floor of the College Park Center.

'We're very excited to bring in this many companies,' said Chris Wiley, associate director of employer relations and information technology in Career Services. 'Last spring we had 78. I'm happy that this number has increased.'

This year's companies come not only from Dayton, but from around the nation. They range from large corporations to small nonprofit organizations. All majors can find something to fit their needs.

Over 700 students are expected to attend the Career Fair, looking for internships, part-time jobs or full-time jobs after graduation.

In order to prepare for the Career Fair, Career Services offers workshops called Career Fair Training. The first workshop was held Thursday from 4:30 to 5 p.m. and there will be another workshop today from 3:30 to 4 p.m. at the Caldwell Street Center, where students and alumni of all majors can learn how to make the best out of the Career Fair.

Students and alumni can also attend Resume Review Days Monday, Sept. 25 and Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Caldwell Street Center. Career Services staff and employers will be available to go through resumes giving students and alumni tips on how to improve them. No appointment is necessary.

'I hope students take advantage of these opportunities,' Wiley said. 'The workshops have been set up to help them out.'

Students are advised to dress professionally Sept. 28 and bring at least 20 copies of their resumes to the Career Fair. Career Services emphasizes that students should relax and get comfortable while they are at the fair.

'Most people think it is good to go to their top companies when they first arrive,' Wiley said. 'I suggest going to a few others first in order to relax. Once students get more comfortable with the setting it is good to go to the company they really want to talk to.'

Before the Career Fair, students have the opportunity to put their resumes online through Hire a Flyer. This is Career Services' online service used to connect students, alumni and employers. Through this service students can view online job postings, schedule interviews, search the alumni career network and register for career-related events.

Every student has a Hire a Flyer account. It can be accessed through the Career Services

Web site, careers.udayton.edu. Students must log on using their Novell/LDAP username and password.

Wiley said students are also able to see a complete listing of the companies at this semester's Career Fair through Hire a Flyer.

'Hire a Flyer has become very useful to the Career Fair this year,' Wiley said. 'It has made the process easier for the companies because they are able to register online. Overall it is now easier to manage the event.'

After the Career Fair is finished, students are always recommended to make appointments with Career Services if they have any questions. Wiley said they are always willing to meet with students individually to help them look toward the future.

Overall, Wiley hopes to emphasize all the hard work Career Services has put into this event.

'It really has been a team effort here to pull the Career Fair together,' Wiley said. 'I want to thank everyone and hope they get the credit they deserve.'

For more information on the Career Fair, e-mail careers_support@notes.udayton.edu or call x92045.