Career Fair: What It Is and What To Expect

Objective: Learn what a career fair is, how to prepare, and what to expect when attending one.

Career fairs are invaluable opportunities for students and job seekers to connect with potential employers face-to-face. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to make the most of these events, from preparation to follow-up.

The importance of career fairs

Career fairs are unique events where recruiters come directly to you. They offer a chance to land internships, summer jobs, or full-time positions. It’s crucial to attend every career fair possible, especially if you’re seeking employment opportunities.

Many schools host multiple career fairs throughout the academic year. The first one often occurs in early fall, typically September or October. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s too early to start looking – companies often conduct interviews and extend job offers shortly after these early fairs.

Why attend job fairs?

Job fairs offer a unique opportunity to expand your job search beyond online applications.

Here are some compelling reasons to attend:

• Access to a broader job market
• Face-to-face networking with recruiters and hiring managers
• Chance to learn about organizations and available positions
• Possibility of on-the-spot interviews and hiring

By attending job fairs, you’re tapping into a wealth of opportunities that may not be visible through online job boards alone. It’s a chance to make a lasting impression and potentially fast-track your application process.

How to prepare for the career fair

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

Here are some essential steps to take:

Research participating companies

Before the fair, obtain a list of attending companies and their hiring needs. This information is usually available on your school’s website. Create a targeted list of companies seeking candidates with your skills and qualifications.

Before the event, take time to:

• Ensure the job fair aligns with your industry and career goals
• Research participating organizations
• Review company websites and job openings
• Understand the industry trends and challenges

This research will help you answer the crucial question: Why are you attending this specific job fair? Having a clear purpose will guide your interactions and make you stand out to potential employers.

Study company profiles

Take time to research the companies on your list. Visit their websites and learn about their products, services, and company culture. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations with recruiters and demonstrate genuine interest.

Apply online in advance

Many recruiters will ask if you’ve already applied online. Take the initiative to submit your application through the company’s website before the fair. This shows proactivity and can streamline the recruitment process.

Prepare your elevator pitch

Craft a concise 60-90 second introduction about yourself. Include your name, year of study, major, specialization, relevant experience, and career goals. Practice delivering this pitch confidently and naturally.

It should answer the question, “Tell me about yourself.” Your elevator pitch should cover:

• Who you are
• What you do
• Why you do it

Practice your pitch until it feels natural and conversational.

Prepare your materials

Bring multiple copies of your resume and consider creating tailored versions for specific companies. Some job seekers also bring business cards. Ensure you have enough copies to distribute throughout the day.

For job fairs, create a more general resume that highlights your skills and experience relevant to the industry.

Consider including:

• A concise summary of your professional background
• Relevant education and work experience
• Key skills and competencies
• Your LinkedIn profile URL

Pro tip: Aim for a one-page resume, but ensure it’s comprehensive enough to showcase your value.

Practice answering common interview questions

Be ready to answer behavioral-based interview questions that often start with phrases like “Tell me about a time when…” Focus on scenarios that demonstrate your:

• Communication skills
• Conflict resolution abilities
• Teamwork
• Time management and prioritization skills

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or CAR (Context, Action, Result) method to structure your responses.

Prepare question to ask employeres

Show your interest and engagement by preparing thoughtful questions for the recruiters. Some examples include:

• “What do you enjoy most about working at this organization?”
• “What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?”
• “Can you tell me more about the company culture?”

How to navigate the day of the career fair

On the day of the event, keep these strategies in mind:

Dress professionally

Adhere to a professional dress code. Business attire is typically expected, though some fairs may allow business casual.

First impressions matter, so dress professionally. While a formal suit may not be necessary, aim for a polished look that’s appropriate for the industry. For example:

• Dark slacks or a skirt
• A nice blouse or dress shirt
• Closed-toe shoes
• Well-groomed appearance

Manage your time wisely

Plan your schedule carefully, accounting for potential wait times at popular booths. Aim to visit 5-7 booths in a day, allowing ample time for meaningful interactions.

Prioritize your visits

If you’re pressed for time, visit your top choices first. However, if you’re feeling nervous, consider starting with companies lower on your list to build confidence.

Engage in meaningful conversations

Aim for conversations lasting about 5 minutes. Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your research and genuine interest in the company. Avoid basic questions easily answered by a quick web search.

Collect contact information

Request business cards from recruiters you speak with. This information is crucial for follow-up communications.

Additional tips to make the most of the career fair

Once you’re at the job fair, keep these tips in mind:

1. Network Effectively

Approach each interaction as an opportunity to make a lasting impression. Be friendly, professional, and genuinely interested in learning about the organizations and roles.

2. Collect Contact Information

Get the name and email address of each person you speak with. This information is crucial for follow-up communications.

3. Connect on LinkedIn

Ask if you can connect with recruiters on LinkedIn. When sending a connection request, include a personalized message like:

“Hello [Name], It was great meeting you at [Job Fair Name]. I’m interested in [specific role or area] at your organization and would love to stay connected. Thank you, [Your Name]”

4. Take Notes

After each conversation, jot down key points to help you remember important details for follow-up communications.

What to do after the career fair

Your work isn’t done when you leave the fair.

Important follow-up steps

• Send personalized thank-you emails to recruiters you met, ideally on the same day.
• Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn, if appropriate.
• Apply for positions online if you haven’t already done so.
• Follow up on any specific instructions or job IDs provided by recruiters.

More actions steps to go above and beyond

• Send follow-up emails or LinkedIn messages within 24-48 hours
• Thank the recruiters for their time and reiterate your interest
• Reference specific conversations or details to jog their memory
• Inquire about next steps or express interest in formal applications

Tips for success at a career fair

Attending a career fair can be an exciting yet daunting experience for many students and job seekers.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, navigating the bustling halls of a career fair requires preparation, confidence, and a strategic approach.

In this section, we’ll look at essential tips and tricks to help you make the most of your career fair experience, from crafting the perfect elevator pitch to following up with potential employers.

Prepare well

Before you step foot into the career fair, it’s crucial to do your homework. Your local Career Development Center (CDC) could potentially offer a wealth of resources to help you prepare:

• Job finder tools
• Career fair app
• Company info sessions

Take advantage of these resources to research the companies attending the fair. Understanding their products, services, and company culture will help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your genuine interest.

Craft your elevator pitch

One of the most important skills to master for a career fair is the elevator pitch. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an actual elevator to deliver it!

An elevator pitch is a brief, 30-second introduction that highlights your achievements, goals, and what makes you unique.

Here are some key elements to include in your elevator pitch:

• Your name and academic background
• Relevant experience or skills
• Why you’re interested in the company
• A question to engage the recruiter

Remember to practice your pitch beforehand to ensure it flows naturally and doesn’t sound rehearsed.

Perfect your resume

Your resume is your calling card at a career fair. To ensure it doesn’t end up in the “no” pile, follow these tips:

• Visit your CDC’s walk-in hours for resume critiques
• Make an appointment for a personalized resume review
• Use online tools like Resumazing for employer feedback
• Review your resume thoroughly before the fair
• Print multiple copies for each company you plan to visit

A well-crafted resume should be clear, concise, and tailored to the positions you’re interested in. Be prepared to discuss any item on your resume with confidence.

Engage with recruiters

When approaching a company booth, remember to be professional, enthusiastic, and well-prepared. Here’s a step-by-step guide to a successful interaction:

1. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and a smile
2. Deliver your elevator pitch
3. Express your interest in the company and any specific roles
4. Ask thoughtful questions about the company or available positions
5. Offer your resume and ask for a business card
6. Thank the recruiter for their time

Remember, recruiters meet many candidates during a career fair. Make your interaction memorable by showcasing your unique qualities and genuine interest in their company.

Follow up after the fair

Your work isn’t done when the career fair ends. Following up with recruiters is a crucial step in the job search process:

• Send a personalized thank-you email within 24-48 hours
• Reference specific points from your conversation
• Reiterate your interest in the company and any positions discussed
• Include your resume and any additional information requested
• Express your enthusiasm for potential next steps

Following up shows initiative and helps keep you fresh in the recruiter’s mind as they review candidates (Northern Illinois University).

Leverage technology

Many career fairs now offer mobile apps to enhance the experience. These apps typically include:

• A list of attending companies
• Interactive maps of the fair layout
• Event schedules and announcements
• Career fair tips and guidelines

Download the app before the fair and use it to plan your strategy, identifying which companies you want to visit and in what order.

Dress for success

First impressions matter, especially at a career fair. Dress professionally to show recruiters that you take the opportunity seriously. While the exact dress code may vary depending on your industry, it’s generally better to err on the side of being slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Network with potential employers

Career fairs aren’t just about landing a job on the spot. They’re also excellent networking opportunities.

Don’t limit yourself to just the companies you’re interested in working for immediately.

Engage with a variety of recruiters to expand your professional network and learn about different industries and roles.

Manage stress and stay confident

Career fairs can be overwhelming, but remember that recruiters are there to meet candidates like you.

Take deep breaths, stay hydrated, and take short breaks if needed. Confidence is key, so remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments before each interaction.

Additional tips

Keep these additional pointers in mind to maximize your career fair experience:

• Arrive early when recruiters are fresh and lines are shorter.
• Bring a notepad to jot down important information.
• Be aware of different types of career fairs (e.g., general, startup, industry-specific) and attend those relevant to your field.
• Stay informed about all career events offered by your school, even if they don’t seem directly related to your major.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of career fairs and increase your chances of landing exciting opportunities.

Remember, practice makes perfect – the more fairs you attend, the more comfortable and effective you’ll become in these professional networking situations.

The bottomline

Career fairs are invaluable opportunities to jumpstart your job search, expand your professional network, and practice essential career skills.

By preparing thoroughly, crafting a compelling elevator pitch, perfecting your resume, and following up effectively, you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impression on potential employers.

Remember to leverage all available resources, including your university’s career development center and career fair apps, to maximize your success. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to navigate your next career fair with confidence and professionalism.

Frequently asked questions about career fairs

Q: How early should I arrive at a career fair?

It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the career fair starts. This gives you time to register, review the layout, and collect your thoughts before approaching employers.

Q: How many resumes should I bring to a career fair?

Bring more resumes than you think you’ll need. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least 20-30 copies, depending on the size of the fair and the number of companies you plan to visit.

Q: Is it okay to take promotional items from company booths?

Yes, it’s generally acceptable to take promotional items offered at company booths. However, be mindful and take only what you need. Don’t load up on freebies at the expense of making a professional impression.

Q: What should I do if I’m interested in a company that has a long line at their booth?

If a company has a long line, consider visiting other booths first and returning later. If time is running short, you can also leave your resume with a staff member or at the booth, along with a brief note expressing your interest.