Career Fairs

In-Person Career Fair Preparation

To be successful at a Career Fair, be sure to use these resources to prepare your introductions, update and improve your resume, brush up on your interview skills, and be prepared with questions to ask employers. Then, review the breakdown of things to do before, during, and after the career fair to make the best impression on employers!

30 Second Commercial - Create and practice your strong introduction.

Big Interview - Brush up on your interview skills on your own time

Questions for Employers - Show your enthusiasm by being prepared with questions to ask employers

Before the Fair

• Review the list of organizations attending the Career Fair and determine which organizations you want to meet.
• Use Handshake and LinkedIn ahead of time to learn about the organizations’ philosophies, cultures, and current job opportunities.
• Drop in or schedule an appointment to have your resume reviewed by the Career Center team to make sure it highlights your relevant skills and achievements your target companies will care about.
• Develop and practice your 30 Second Commercial to ensure you make a strong, positive first impression with employers.
• Some employers may choose to interview you on the spot. Be prepared for this by completing a mock interview with the Career Center or by utilizing BigInterview to practice on your own.
• Have questions prepared to ask employers. This helps you determine if you want to work for them and shows that you are legitimately interested in learning more about them. 

Career Fair Day

• Review the information and organize a list of employers you plan to visit, in order of priority.
• Practice your 30 Second Commercial with a few employers before approaching your top picks.
• Review the information you have researched as well as the questions you want to ask the employer before you approach them.
• Review any notes you made on your targeted employers, their current openings, and the questions you want to ask them before speaking with them.
• Ask for the business card and LinkedIn information for each representative with whom you speak.

After the Career Fair

• Send a message (handwritten or emai) to your new contacts to thank them for their time and follow-up on any opportunities you discussed with them. 
• Connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn. 
• Respond quickly to any messages you receive from your contacts or recruiters from businesses with which you spoke. 

 

 

Virtual Career Fair Preparation

For tips on preparing for and succeeding at a virtual career fair, check out Handshake's Guide to Attending a Virtual Career Fair!