You’ve decided to attend the career fair and want to make a great impression. In this post, we’ll discuss what you can do to stand out from the other job candidates, regardless of whether you’re attending a live or virtual event.
As you read through our suggestions (most of which were collected from recently employed college grads), remember…“don’t let perfection be the enemy of good.” If you can’t do all the things we suggest, it’s still worthwhile to attend the event—do the best you can.
1. Research Employers (IRL and Virtual)
Why—So you stand out to your target employers by being extra prepared and knowledgeable.
How—Check the list of companies attending (this should be available through Handshake or your school’s career center).Identify 3-5 organizations that seem particularly interesting and check out the websites of these “targets” to learn:
- What they do
- How they describe their unique attributes
- Open positions and/or internships
Prepare a few questions for each target to demonstrate your interest and willingness to do the necessary research about their business.
Note—this doesn’t mean to only visit these 3-5 organizations at the fair, it just means spend extra time preparing to talk with your key targets.
2. Prep and Bring Your Resume (IRL)
Why—Because it’s a career fair. Someone will ask you for a resume…even if Career Services tells you not to bother.
How—If you don’t have a resume, this is a great time to get one prepared. Carry the resume in a folder or portfolio--not clutched in your hand or folded in your backpack!
3. Update Your Profiles on LinkedIn and Handshake (IRL and Virtual)
Why—Assume employers will be checking out your on-line profile after the event.
How—Check your resume and profiles to ensure they match perfectly in terms of dates, roles, etc.
Yes, this matters—you don’t want to seem dishonest because of a typo!
4. Practice Your Elevator Pitch (IRL and Virtual)
Why—So you have something relevant to say when you meet a recruiter. It’s easy to get tongue-tied or start babbling when you feel uncomfortable.
How—Introduce yourself with:
- Name, major, and year in school
- Career interests and relevant experience and skills
- Why you’re interested in the company, job opportunity, or internship
Dress Professionally (IRL and Virtual)
Business casual is usually fine but check event guidelines. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with dressing a little more professionally than business casual if you have the clothes and the role requires more polish. But, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your outfit.
In the case of a virtual meet up, business casual from the waist up. Ensure your background is either blurred or intentional (no roommates walking around behind you!).
Use common sense and avoid tank tops, ripped jeans, anything dirty, workout clothes, political messages, or overly casual items. If you don’t have business casual clothes, don’t stress. Just dress neatly in the clothes you own and dazzle the recruiter with your enthusiasm.
Make a Plan (IRL)
Prioritize which employers to visit first (popular employers may have long lines).
Arrive early to avoid crowds and have better conversations.
Consider starting with organizations you find less interesting, to practice your elevator pitch and get comfortable.
Be Confident & Enthusiastic (IRL and Virtual)
Smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake (or a confident virtual introduction for online fairs).
Show interest in the recruiter and ask engaging questions. For example:
- "Can you tell me a little about what makes this organization special?"
- "What qualities do you look for in an ideal candidate for this role?"
- "What’s the company culture like for early-career employees?"
Ensure you’re listening actively. i.e., not just planning what you’ll say next while they talk.
After the conversation winds down, ask about next steps:
- Ask for the recruiter’s business card or contact info
- Consider creating and bringing your own business cards
- Take a few notes about the conversation to act as a reminder for your follow-up
Follow Up Within 24 Hours
- Send a short thank-you email or LinkedIn message to recruiters.
- Reference something specific from your conversation to stand out. Example: "Hi Vika, it was great speaking with you at the UW career fair yesterday about Amazon’s internship program. I’m excited about the opportunity to apply my skills in product management to the Siri challenge you mentioned. I’ve attached my resume and would love to stay in touch. Looking forward to hearing about next steps!"
Apply Online If Needed
- Many companies require an online application, even if you gave them a resume. Don’t get annoyed—even if you think it’s silly to fill out a duplicative form. Just do it.
- Mention in your application that you spoke with a recruiter at the career fair.
Connect on LinkedIn
- Send a connection request with a personalized note.
- Stay engaged with company updates and recruiter posts.
You never know when a conversation can lead to an opportunity. There’s no reason that you can’t make a great impression at a career fair with a little preparation and practice. With a little strategy, you can turn these events into a first step in your journey to a fulfilling and successful career. Good luck!
The Career Coaches at The Launchpad Collective are here to help. We specialize in career counseling for new college graduates. If you’d like to get more creative ideas and pragmatic advice about how to land your first job, contact us at info@thelaunchpadcollective.com. Your career is our mission.
Contact us for a free consultation at info@thelaunchpadcollective.com if any of the following are of interest to you: choosing a career, college graduate employment, career coaching for young professionals, interview practice, finding jobs after college, networking tips, college graduates looking for jobs, personal branding, internships for college students, salary negotiations, jobs for college graduates, optimizing your resume, finding jobs after college
