How to Prepare for a Career Fair

Objective: Learn how to prepare for a career fair.

A career fair can be an exciting and stressful time. This guide will help you not only prepare for a career fair, but come out feeling like you had a successful experience.

Expert tips on how to prepare for a career fair

In this section, we’ll go deep into the world of career fairs, providing you with expert tips on preparation, execution, and follow-up strategies that will set you apart from the competition.

Understand the recruiter’s perspective

Before we go into the strategies, it’s crucial to understand what it’s like on the other side of the table.

As a recruiter, Madeline (video below) shares her experience:

People walk up to the table, they first ask, “What does your company do?” I give them the spiel for the 85th time that night, and they ask, “What roles are you hiring for?” Which then I respond, “All kinds of roles. What roles are you looking for?” At which point so incredibly often, this question is difficult. It sends them for a loop.

This insight highlights the importance of being prepared and specific about your career goals when approaching recruiters at job fairs.

How to prepare before the career fair (Pre-fair preparation)

Proper preparation is key to making a lasting impression at career fairs.

According to Florida State University, here’s how to get ready:

1. Research target companies: Focus on companies with open roles that match your skills and interests.
2. Understand the company: Know what they do, who their customers are, and why you want to work for them.
3. Company size and context: Understand the scale of the organization you’re interested in.
4. Stay current: Find recent news or updates about the company to demonstrate your genuine interest.

Remember to write down your findings for easy reference during the fair.

Prepare your materials

To stand out from the crowd, consider these steps:

• Print multiple copies of your resume
• Create custom folders for your top target companies, including a company logo on the front, your resume, relevant work samples, and a customized cover letter.

For guidance on creating effective cover letters and portfolios, check out some sources from the YSU.

How to navigate the career fair [Step-by-step]

When you arrive at the fair, follow these steps to make the most of your interactions:

1. Start with a warm-up

Begin with a company you’re less interested in to get comfortable and practice your approach.

2. The perfect introduction

Use this script as a template for your introductions:

Hi, I’m [First Name, Last Name]. I was glad to see you all were going to be here. I’m really interested in [Company] because [reason you discovered during research].

3. Engage in meaningful conversation

Ask thoughtful questions about the recruiter’s role and experience with the company. This helps create a more natural, human interaction.

4. Highlight your value

Clearly communicate your skills and experience, relating them to the open roles you’re interested in. For example:

I’m a designer who has 7 years experience at startups and have designed graphics for over 2 dozen mobile apps.

5. Show your knowledge

Incorporate the current event or news you discovered during your research into the conversation. This demonstrates your genuine interest and preparation.

6. Ask insightful questions

Inquire about the company culture, challenges, and what makes people successful there. Some examples include:

• “What have you been excited about these days at the company?”
• “What kinds of people thrive at your company?”
• “Is this company what you had expected?” (for newer employees)

7. Close the conversation professionally

Ask for a business card or how to follow up. If you didn’t catch their name, politely ask for it again and write it down.

Post career fair follow-up

Seal the deal!

Your work isn’t done when you leave the fair. Follow these steps to maintain the connection:

1. Send a follow-up email the next day
2. Thank the recruiter for their time
3. Reiterate your interest in the company
4. Reattach your resume
5. Clearly state which role you’re interested in

Refine your personal elevator pitch

To help you craft a compelling introduction, Madeline offers a free worksheet to answer the question, “Tell me about yourself.” This resource will help you create a concise and impactful elevator pitch for both career fairs and interviews.

By following smart career fair tips, you will be well-equipped to make a lasting impression at career fairs and take a significant step towards landing your dream job. Remember, preparation and genuine human connection are key to standing out in the competitive job market.

Ask quality questions to recuiters at the career fair

Career fairs are golden opportunities for college students to interact with recruiters from various companies and potentially land internships or entry-level positions.

To make the most of these events, it’s crucial to come prepared with thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and research. In this section, we’ll look at the types of questions you should ask recruiters at career fairs, as shared by Jenna from The Intern Hustle.

The importance of asking quality questions

Jenna, who has extensive experience as a hiring manager, emphasizes the significance of asking strong questions during the interview process.

She explains that career fairs serve as pre-interviews, giving students a chance to make a lasting impression on recruiters.

By asking insightful questions, you can stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of landing that coveted internship or job.

Types of questions to ask recruiters

Jenna categorizes the questions into three main groups: conversation starters, internship-specific questions, and close-the-loop questions. Let’s explore each category in detail.

Conversation starters

These questions are designed to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the recruiter and gain insights into the company culture:

• What is one thing that most people are surprised to learn about your company?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• What’s your favorite part about working for your company?
• What is the number one thing that your talent team looks at when evaluating a potential new hire?
• How does your company evaluate employee performance?
• What does a typical career development track look like for an entry-level employee at your company?

Internship-specific questions

These questions focus on gathering information about internship opportunities and the application process:

• Are there any specific skills or certifications that you recommend people obtain before applying as an intern with your company?
• What does your interview process consist of, and by when do you anticipate making your hiring decisions?
• What are your internship application deadlines, or do you accept applications and hire interns on a rolling basis throughout the year?
• Who manages interns at your company? Is there one internship program manager, or are there separate managers for each department?
• What onboarding and training programs do your interns participate in?
• How would you describe a typical day for an intern with your company?
• What are some examples of projects that interns at your company get to work on?
• How often do interns go on to work at the company after completing their internship?

Close-the-loop questions

These questions help you wrap up the conversation and establish a clear path for follow-up:

• What is the best way to follow up with you if I have more questions after reviewing my notes from our chat today?
• I’d love to keep a pulse on what your company is doing in the future. What other events will you or your team be participating in that I can attend as a student?
• I’m specifically interested in an internship with your marketing department. Who would be a good person in that department for me to reach out to for an informational interview to learn more about their experience on that team?

Tips for asking questions at career fairs

To make the most of your interactions with recruiters, keep these tips in mind:

1. Tailor your questions: Customize your questions based on the specific company you’re talking to and the information available on their website.
2. Do your research: Avoid asking questions about information that’s easily accessible online.
3. Prioritize your questions: Choose your top 3-5 questions to ask, as you may have limited time with each recruiter.
4. Listen actively: Pay attention to the recruiter’s responses and ask relevant follow-up questions.
5. Be confident: Go into the career fair knowing that you’re well-prepared with thoughtful questions.

The importance of linkedIn for career fairs

Jenna emphasizes the significance of having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile when attending career fairs. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can help you:

• Network with recruiters and hiring managers
• Showcase your skills and experiences
• Connect with professionals in your desired industry
• Follow up with recruiters after the career fair

To help students optimize their LinkedIn profiles, Jenna offers a free LinkedIn Masterclass. This class covers essential LinkedIn success strategies for students and can be a valuable resource for those looking to make the most of their career fair experiences.

Ask the winning questions

Asking thoughtful questions at career fairs is a crucial step in making a positive impression on recruiters and potentially landing your dream internship or job. By preparing a mix of conversation starters, internship-specific questions, and close-the-loop questions, you’ll demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and stand out from other candidates.

Remember to tailor your questions to each company, prioritize your most important inquiries, and actively listen to the recruiter’s responses.

With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate your next career fair like a pro and take a significant step towards your future career success.

Prepare for career fair interactions

Career fairs can be intimidating, especially for students who are new to the professional world. However, with the right approach, these events can become valuable opportunities to connect with potential employers and kickstart your career. This article will explore the dos and don’ts of interacting with recruiters at career fairs, based on two contrasting examples.

The importance of first impressions

When approaching a recruiter at a career fair, your first impression can make or break your chances of success. A positive first impression involves:

• Standing tall and confidently
• Making eye contact
• Offering a firm handshake
• Smiling and maintaining a friendly demeanor
• Speaking clearly and audibly

In the first example, the student made several mistakes that negatively impacted her interaction. She slouched, avoided eye contact, and spoke softly, making it difficult for the recruiter to hear her. These non-verbal cues can signal a lack of confidence and enthusiasm, which are crucial qualities employers look for in potential candidates.

Preparation is key

One of the most significant differences between the two examples was the level of preparation. In the second, more successful interaction, the student demonstrated that she had done her homework. Here’s why preparation matters:

• It shows genuine interest in the company
• It allows for more meaningful conversations
• It helps you ask relevant questions
• It enables you to tailor your skills and experiences to the company’s needs

Pro tip: Research the companies attending the career fair beforehand. Familiarize yourself with their open positions, recent news, and company culture.

Effective communication strategies for the career fair

The way you communicate with recruiters can significantly impact the outcome of your interaction. Here are some key strategies to keep in mind:

1. Engage in a Two-Way Conversation

Instead of reciting a rehearsed monologue, aim for a natural, back-and-forth dialogue. This approach allows the recruiter to get to know you better and creates a more memorable interaction.

2. Highlight Specific Skills and Experiences

Rather than mentioning general skills, focus on specific abilities that are relevant to the position you’re interested in. For example, in the second interaction, the student mentioned her experience in analyzing processes and developing more efficient methods, which directly related to the company’s focus on improving supply chain processes.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Asking thoughtful, open-ended questions not only demonstrates your interest but also keeps the conversation flowing. Some examples include:

• “Could you tell me more about the projects interns typically work on?”
• “What kind of growth opportunities are available for interns?”
• “How would you describe the company culture?”

4. Be Mindful of Sensitive Topics

Avoid bringing up potentially sensitive subjects, such as sponsorship for international students, unless the recruiter initiates the conversation. If you need to discuss work authorization, wait for an appropriate moment and be prepared to explain your specific situation clearly and concisely.

How to follow up and next steps

The end of your interaction is just as important as the beginning. Here are some key points to remember:

• Ask for the recruiter’s business card for future communication
• Inquire about the next steps in the application process
• Express gratitude for their time and information
• Follow up with a thank-you email within 24-48 hours

In the second example, the student successfully obtained the recruiter’s business card and expressed her intention to follow up, leaving a positive final impression.

Avoid these pitfalls in your career fairs

Based on the first example, here are some mistakes to steer clear of during career fair interactions:

• Lack of confidence or enthusiasm
• Insufficient research about the company and available positions
• Reciting rehearsed speeches instead of engaging in genuine conversation
• Asking closed-ended questions that don’t promote further discussion
• Bringing up sensitive topics prematurely
• Failing to follow up or determine next steps

The bottomline

Mastering career fair interactions takes practice and preparation. By focusing on making a strong first impression, researching companies beforehand, communicating effectively, and following up appropriately, you can maximize your chances of success. Remember, recruiters are there to meet potential candidates like you, so approach these interactions with confidence and enthusiasm. With the right mindset and preparation, you can turn career fairs into valuable stepping stones towards your professional goals.

“The bottom line is she wouldn’t look at me in the eye. She spoke super, super soft. She just wasn’t a very good fit at Infail. I can sum up kind of the entire interaction in one word and she was just really forgettable.”

This quote from the recruiter in the first example underscores the importance of making a lasting, positive impression. By avoiding these pitfalls and implementing the strategies discussed in this article, you can ensure that your interactions with recruiters are memorable for all the right reasons.

Frequently asked questions about preparing for a career fair

Q: How many questions should I prepare for a career fair?

It’s recommended to prepare 3-5 top questions for each company you’re interested in. This allows you to have a meaningful conversation while respecting the limited time you may have with each recruiter.

Q: Is it okay to ask about salary during a career fair?

It’s generally not recommended to ask about salary during a career fair. Focus on learning about the company, role, and culture first. Salary discussions are more appropriate during later stages of the interview process.

Q: How can I make a good impression on recruiters at a career fair?

To make a good impression, dress professionally, bring copies of your resume, prepare thoughtful questions, demonstrate knowledge of the company, and follow up with a thank-you note or email after the event.

Q: Should I bring my resume to a career fair?

Yes, it’s always a good idea to bring multiple copies of your resume to a career fair. Some recruiters may ask for it, and it shows that you’re prepared and serious about potential opportunities.

Q: How important is it to research companies before a career fair?

Researching companies before a career fair is crucial. It helps you ask more informed questions, demonstrates your genuine interest in the company, and allows you to make a stronger impression on recruiters.