Going to a college career fair can feel like a massive opportunity (because it is!). Whether you’re trying to snag that perfect internship or start laying the groundwork for post-grad jobs, career fairs give you a solid chance to network, learn about companies, and kickstart your job search. With a bit of prep, you can make a killer impression on recruiters, all while scoring some valuable connections for the future.
Here’s how you can prepare to absolutely own your college career fair, minus the stress.
1. Do Some Research on Attending Companies
Before the big day, grab the list of companies that are going to be there and do some light stalking—uh, I mean, research. Check out their open positions and see which ones align with your skills and interests. By understanding what the company is all about (their roles, what qualifications they’re looking for, the vibe of their workplace), you’ll be able to ask smarter questions and show that you’re genuinely interested.
Pro Tip: Make a list of your top 5-10 companies. This way, you can focus your energy where it counts and won’t waste time aimlessly wandering.
2. Update Your Resume
Your resume is your golden ticket. Make sure it’s up-to-date with all your relevant coursework, leadership roles, skills, and achievements. Toss in some optional sections too, like a short profile or your passions—anything that helps you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.
Pro Tip: Print 15-20 fresh copies of your resume on nice paper (yes, resume paper is still a thing). That way, you’ll be ready to hand it out like candy on Halloween.
3. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch
Career fairs can get intense, with dozens of students trying to talk to recruiters at the same time. That’s why you need a killer elevator pitch—a quick 30-60 second intro that summarizes who you are, what you’ve done, and what you’re hoping to do. Practice this beforehand so when the time comes, you sound polished, confident, and ready to go.
Pro Tip: Wrap up your pitch with a question about the company or role. It keeps the conversation going and shows you’re engaged.
4. Dress to Impress (Without Going Overboard)
While you don’t need to roll up looking like you’re headed to a wedding, business professional attire is the way to go. For guys, that’s usually a suit or blazer with dress pants and a tie. For girls, a professional dress or pantsuit will work. It’s all about showing you know how to present yourself in a workplace setting.
Pro Tip: Keep accessories low-key. You want the recruiter to focus on you, not your fashion statement.
5. Charge Your Devices
These days, swapping contact info can be as easy as pulling up LinkedIn on your phone. Just make sure your phone is charged before you head in, and maybe tweak your settings so random notifications don’t pop up while you’re mid-conversation.
Pro Tip: Use your phone or a small notebook to jot down key points from each conversation. It’ll come in handy when you follow up later.
6. Keep Things Neat with a Resume Folder or Portfolio
There’s nothing worse than handing over a crumpled resume to a recruiter. Keep everything looking professional by bringing a resume folder or portfolio to store your papers. Bonus points if your portfolio matches your polished outfit.
Pro Tip: Stash your priority company list, notepad, pen, and even some mints in your portfolio for quick access.
7. Be Early (But Not Too Early)
Arriving early gives you a chance to find the location, get settled, and take a deep breath before diving in. You can even use the extra time for a last-minute check of your resume or to grab that extra cup of coffee.
Pro Tip: Do a quick lap around the fair before you start approaching booths. This helps you get a feel for the layout and mentally prepare.
8. Ask Smart Questions
You’ve done your research, so now’s your chance to ask recruiters about company culture, training programs, day-to-day tasks, or upcoming projects. Open-ended questions help keep the conversation going and show that you’re genuinely interested.
Pro Tip: Tie your questions back to your experience. This helps recruiters see how you’d fit in with their company.
9. Don’t Forget to Collect Contact Info
Before wrapping up a convo with a recruiter, snag their business card or LinkedIn info. Follow up with them within a week, sending a short email or LinkedIn message that references your conversation. This keeps the connection warm and reminds them of who you are.
Pro Tip: Personalize your follow-up messages. It’ll show you’re not just sending a generic “thanks for your time” email to everyone you talked to.
10. Follow Up Afterwards
Sending a thank-you note within 24 hours of the career fair is a classy move. Thank the recruiter for their time, reiterate your interest, and remind them why you’re a great fit for the role. If appropriate, suggest a next step, like a formal interview or coffee chat.
Pro Tip: Set reminders on your phone to follow up again in a week, a month, or whenever is appropriate. Recruiters remember candidates who follow up persistently, yet professionally.
Key Takeaways
- Research: Do your homework on attending companies so you know which ones you’re interested in.
- Resume: Have an updated resume and make sure to bring enough copies.
- Pitch: Practice a quick elevator pitch that highlights your background and goals.
- Professional Attire: Dress like you’re ready for the workplace.
- Stay Organized: Bring a portfolio to keep your resume, notes, and contacts neat.
- Be Early: Give yourself time to get situated and scout the booths.
- Ask Questions: Show your interest by asking thoughtful questions based on your research.
- Follow Up: Collect contact info and follow up promptly to keep the conversation going.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many resumes should I bring?
A: 15-20 is a solid number. You don’t want to run out halfway through the fair!
Q: What should I wear?
A: Business professional attire—think suit, dress pants, or professional dresses. Keep it simple and classy.
Q: I’m nervous—what should I do?
A: Totally normal! Focus on being prepared. Knowing your pitch and having questions ready helps a ton.
Q: What kind of questions should I ask?
A: Open-ended ones about company culture, typical work, required skills, and current projects. Connect them back to your experience for extra impact.
Q: How can I stand out from the crowd?
A: Preparation is everything. Show that you’ve done your research, have your resume ready, and be confident in your pitch.
Q: How do I land a job or internship from the career fair?
A: The fair is just the first step. Make personal connections, follow up, and keep networking even after the event.
Q: Should I hand out my resume to everyone?
A: Nope. Be strategic and focus on companies that truly interest you. Quality over quantity!
Now that you’re fully prepped, go crush that career fair!