At Fulton-Montgomery Community College we believe that our responsibility extends beyond the classroom and into the local community. As our mission states, we are Fulton and Montgomery Counties’ partner for quality education, accessible transfer and career programs, economic development, and cultural and intellectual enrichment.

On Wednesday, April 11th, FM, in collaboration with FMS Workforce Solutions System, the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, will sponsor its annual Spring Job Fair. The Job Fair will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the College Union. This is an excellent opportunity for local employers to boost their applicant pool at no charge while getting quality exposure for their company.

Historically, this has been a well-attended event by both employers and job seekers. It is open to all members of the college community as well as to job seekers of Fulton, Montgomery and surrounding counties. This collaborative effort brings quality employers to our campus to recruit both FM students and community residents. With the assistance of our co-sponsors, we are encouraging our students and local job seekers to find employment within our area.

The Job Fair provides the opportunity to network with over 50 employers and agencies from the local area and within the Capital District. Job Seekers should bring an updated resume and dress professionally. Both FM and the FMS Workforce Solutions System have staff available to assist job seekers with preparation for employment, including resume critiquing, interviewing assistance, and Job Fair success tips. There is always potential for an on-the-spot interview at an event such as this.

What should the job seeker know? The main purpose of a resume is to spark the interest of the employer and to secure an interview. Be sure that there are no grammatical or spelling errors on your resume, the small details will be noticed. A one-page resume is usually preferred, but can be up to two pages if you have considerable experience that is relevant to the position for which you are applying. Resumes should be easy to read and typically should highlight the most relevant information towards the top. Employers on average skim a resume for less than 15 seconds before making a decision to read it over further, or to toss it aside. Your resume must quickly convey that you are capable and competent enough to interview for the position.

At a Job Fair, you may not be sure who may offer you an interview on-the-spot. Some general tips to keep in mind include making a list of your skills and reviewing your resume in detail prior to the Job Fair. Reflect on your current and previous job experience and choose one or two situations to speak about that demonstrate your value to an employer. Act professionally and dress appropriately – first impressions count! Go it alone, don’t bring your family or friends with you as you move from table to table, and show confidence in yourself. Lastly, ask questions of the employer, be enthusiastic, and show interest in their company.

For more information, please visit www.fmcc.edu or one of the FMS Workforce Solutions Centers.
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Christie Crawford is the Outreach & Support Representative at Fulton-Montgomery Community College.

A part of our College’s Strategic Plan is to prepare students to learn, live, and lead in a diverse and dynamic global culture. Obtaining a college degree is essential, knowing how to pay for that degree is critical. The cost of an education increases annually; and, during these economic times the need for students and parents to apply for financial aid is more important than ever. FM can assist students and parents to not only reach their goal of a college education but can also help in making that education affordable.

Each year students and parents must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, in order to be considered for any federal grants (monies that you do not have to repay), loans (monies you do have to repay), and work study jobs (monies that must be earned). After the FAFSA is filed, New York State residents who are planning on attending any New York State school must then file their New York State Tuition Assistance Program, or TAP, application. Once you have completed those two very important applications, students should concentrate on scholarship applications. These can be obtained through the colleges they are applying to, through their local high school guidance offices, as well as from some community organizations.

Two wonderful opportunities students and parents can take advantage of to receive help with the financial aid process are College Goal Sunday and SUNY Financial Aid Day. College Goal Sunday is a grant funded program that offers free assistance by Financial Aid Professionals at Fort Plain High School on Saturday (yes it is a Saturday!), January 28, 2012. This day is set aside to assist students and parents with filing the FAFSA and the TAP applications electronically. If you would like to register to attend this event please visit www.collegegoalsundayny.com.

The next opportunity to receive free assistance with the FAFSA and TAP applications is SUNY Financial Aid Day. SUNY Financial Aid Day is held right on our FM campus where you can receive assistance from our FM financial aid professionals. SUNY Financial Aid Day is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2012. Students and parents are welcome to attend this free event and can register by visiting www.suny.edu/studentevents.

If you or your student has questions regarding the application process or if you have other questions, please contact me directly at (518) 736-FMCC (3622) or by e-mail at rswart@fmcc.suny.edu.

Rebecca Cozzocrea is the Coordinator of Financial Aid at FM.