Career fairs are an excellent opportunity to connect with employers, learn about potential career paths, and take the next step toward an internship or full-time role. With so many students and recruiters in one place, preparation can help you make a strong impression.
From researching employers to practicing your introduction, a few simple strategies can help you feel more confident and make your conversations more meaningful. We asked some of our university recruiters to share their top tips for students attending a career fair.
- Research the Companies You’re Interested In
“When attending a careers fair, it’s important to research in advance by finding out which companies will be present and learning about their values, available roles, and recent news. This preparation allows you to tailor thoughtful questions for each employer, going beyond simply asking about open positions to inquiring about company culture, growth opportunities, and what they seek in candidates.” Brittany Powell, University Recruiter
- Prepare Your Elevator Pitch
“Practice your elevator pitch so you can confidently introduce yourself, share your background, and express what types of roles you’re seeking. This is an introduction to who you are, what you’ve done, and what roles you are interested in; this is not the time to provide your whole backstory, so keep it short and sweet.” Brittany Powell, University Recruiter
“Don’t try to memorize a script, but remember the main points, then change it up a bit based on the company you are speaking with.” Jaycey Martin, Senior University Recruiter
- Bring an Updated Resume
“Before attending a career fair, you want to make sure your resume looks great. Have an advisor or professor review your resume and ask for feedback. Once you have a great resume (that includes your graduation date) print out more copies than you think you will need.” Jaycey Martin, Senior University Recruiter
- Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Career fairs are not just an opportunity for recruiters to learn about you; they’re also a chance for you to learn more about potential employers. Prepare questions in advance so you can make the most of each conversation.
Consider asking questions such as:
- What skills or experiences are most valuable for this role?
- What does career growth look like for someone starting in this position?
- How would you describe the company culture?
- What makes someone successful on your team?
- What advice would you give to a student interested in this career path?
Thoughtful questions show that you’re engaged, curious, and genuinely interested in learning more.
“Come prepared with questions on the company or role itself.” Lauren Bangs, University Recruiter
- Be Confident, Professional, and Authentic
“Bring your personality, be excited and ready to network. First impressions are everything!” Lauren Bangs, University Recruiter
“Make an effort to stand out among the crowd - remember, recruiters may speak with over 100 people, so aim to create an interaction that leaves them wanting to learn more about you. Finally, level the playing field of nerves and remember that recruiters want to speak to you just as much as you want to speak to them!” Brittany Powell, University Recruiter
“Dress professionally and be confident. Career fairs are the best way to find your next great internship or full-time role, so get excited!” Jaycey Martin, Senior University Recruiter
With research, preparation, and a positive attitude, you can make the most of your career fair experience. Most importantly, remember that a career fair is about more than handing out resumes. It’s an opportunity to build relationships, explore possibilities, and take the first step toward your next internship or full-time role.