A new feature at frogjobs.net is changing the way students and employers connect, marking an era of ongoing improvements, said Career Services staff members.Employers attending Wednesday’s Career Expo can now search for students they would like to meet ahead of time by logging in to frogjobs.net.

“Employers love it,” said Kimshi Hickman, associate director of University Career Services. “I much prefer the employer to make their own match, because they get a closer look and are able to see the match for themselves.”

In the past employers relied on Career Services’ staff members to interpret company needs and find students who qualify for openings, a process Hickman said was less beneficial because it created an increased chance of mismatching.

“Other career centers have had these capabilities for several years,” Hickman said. “It kind of brings us up to par.”

Uploading a cover letter and resume on frogjobs.net is the best way to connect with employers prior to the expo and will strengthen students’ ability to leave a lasting impression, Hickman said.

Anita Reynolds, director of student placement, said the new feature provides quick and easy access to company profiles, skill requirements and job openings. Students can then narrow their search and plan a “method of attack” before meeting the employers face to face at Career Expo, she said.

“Students used to have to mull through company Web sites for information, but this is like the Reader’s Digest version of all the information you need to know,” Reynolds said. “It’s all about ease for you all because you have tests going on, you have classes, you have papers due.”

Hickman said doing research beforehand helps students manage their time wisely at the expo and walk in confidently with specific goals in mind.

“If it seems like you’ve got it together, they will be interested,” Reynolds said. “Be active and aggressive in the career search.”

Abby Hicks, assistant director of Career Services, said the expo is all about networking.

“We ask students to prepare a 30-second introduction or what some call an elevator speech,” Hicks said. “It’s the main points you want to get across to employers in a limited amount of time.”

Reynolds said Resumania is where it all begins.

“Resumania is a table set up in the student center every week or every other week, depending on our schedules, where students can come by, sit down and look over their resume with us or drop it off to pick up later in the office,” Reynolds said. “It’s something we’re trying this semester in an effort to make our services more visible for students.”

Resumania was successful at schools such as Harvard University, Rice University and Sam Houston State University, Reynolds said.

In addition, students are welcome to stop by Career Services’ office any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday to meet with a staff member about their resumes, Reynolds said.