Job Fairs: How To Make Them Work For You
Attending a job and internship fair can be intimidating. Set yourself up for success with these quick tips for before, during, and after the fair. You've got this!
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Leading Up To the Fair
Is this fair in your field of interest?
Many fairs are geared specifically to certain fields, so make sure to read the event description before arriving.
Learn which companies are attending ahead of time.
You can find the list of companies attending in Handshake and narrow down a list of the ones you're most interested in. Learn more about these employers from their websites to get a sense of their focus, company culture, and some positions you might want to pursue.
Expect to be evaluated.
Remember that impressions count, even if you're only at the fair to gather information. Your initial contact with the company representative may be the company’s first screening. Make the most of it!
Be prepared with what you're going to bring and say.
Here's your packing list:
- Extra copies of your up-to-date resume. Do not list objectives on it. If you need support getting your resume fair-ready, make an appointment with a career coach or check our events calendar to find upcoming resume workshops and labs.
- A folder to store business cards, brochures, or other handouts you pick up during the event. This is also handy for keeping your resume wrinkle-free and ready to go!
- A notepad or journal
- Pens or pencils to write notes with
- A snack. If you plan to be there for multiple hours, you'll want to keep up your energy.
Have your pitch ready:
- Prepare a short and sweet summary of your qualifications and rehearse them before the fair. This will help you best articulate your skills at the event.
- Brainstorm at least two questions to ask employer representatives to show your interest in their specific company or field.
Dress appropriately.
Regardless of how the company representatives are dressed, you want them to know you that you are a professional job seeker. Dress professionally and conservatively in clean, wrinkle-free clothes. Get rid of extra bulk by avoiding coats, jackets, or large bags and briefcases.
We recommend planning your outfit before the day of the event to avoid stress and make sure you're looking the part for the job you want. For more tips on dressing professionally, visit our interview tips page.
At the Fair
Check in at the front with your Student ID.
Check in at the registration table and pick up a list of companies and their table locations. Take a moment to look around and acclimate yourself to the layout of the fair. Keep in mind how much time you want to spend at the fair and pace yourself.
Visit employer tables strategically.
Use the fair as your own job & career screening opportunity. It’s your chance to connect with dozens of employers and decide if following up is worthwhile.
Here are a couple tips for approaching employers:
- Practice talking with other companies before targeting your favorite ones. Avoid eating, drinking or carrying food when visiting tables.
- Wait patiently and avoid approaching an employer's table if someone else is in the middle of a conversation with them. Respect their privacy.
- When approaching a representative, make eye contact, smile, shake hands firmly, and introduce yourself.
- Tell the employer why you’re interested in their organization and hand them your resume. Be prepared to state your qualifications in 30 seconds or less.
- Look for job postings, current or anticipated. Ask if you don’t see any available.
- Collect business cards, applications and more information if you’re interested.
- After leaving an employer's table, take time to jot down notes if the company interests you.
After the Fair
- Write down notes while information is still fresh in your mind, like key names and important facts about the companies you're interested in following up with.
- Send thank you notes. This demonstrates professionalism and your continued interest, especially if you were given a brief interview.
- Fill out applications and submit them in a timely manner (one to two weeks). Include a note with the application naming the representative you talked to and which fair you attended.
Websites with additional information:
