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Career fairs provide an excellent opportunity to meet with employers hiring for various positions across multiple industries. You can make a great first impression and set yourself up for success by preparing before the fair. Here are some tips for making the most of the Career and Internship Fair.Ìý

Before the fair: Sign up on Handshake and complete your profileÌý

Sign up on Handshake to attend the event. If you don’t have a Handshake account yet, follow these steps to set up your profile. Handshake is the number one way college students find jobs and internships. This online resource can help you search for jobs, see event details and promote your resume to potential employers.ÌýÌý

Completing your Handshake profile can improve your opportunities with potential employers. Review your profile to ensure each section is up to date and complete. Stop by Career Services to use the free headshot photo booth to add a professional headshot to your profile. Update your profile details, particularly your qualifications and GPA. Set your profile to public so that employers can see your information.Ìý

Create or update your resumeÌý

Create a resume that highlights your skills, abilities and experience. Make variations of your resume tailored to each company or type of job that interests you. Review these tips for creating a memorable resume, and meet with a Peer Advisor for Express appointments or Office Hours to get personalized feedback and tips to improve your resume. You can also utilize the AI Resume Builder by Quinncia to get instant feedback on your resume!Ìý

Devise a strategyÌý

Review the list of employers attending and consider who you’d like to speak with at the fair. New employers sign up to participate regularly, so check back in Handshake before the fair. Ensure you set aside enough time to visit your priority employers. Remember that lines can get long; it may take longer than you think to connect with each employer.Ìý

Say hello with confidenceÌý

Practice introducing yourself to employers. Start by sharing your name, year in school and major or area of study. Talk about the positions you’re interested in and how your skills or experiences tie to those roles.ÌýÌý

Research your priority employers and prepare a few questions to ask when you talk with them. Ask insightful questions to help demonstrate your interest in the employer and allow you to learn more about their company and opportunities.Ìý

Capture the detailsÌý

When you meet with multiple employers, it can be challenging to remember the details of each conversation. Take a notebook and pen or use your mobile phone or laptop to take notes. After speaking with employers, write down a few things that you discussed. Take note of what you liked or didn’t like about the company. You’ll want to reference these notes later to recall the conversation if you’re asked to schedule an interview or to add details to thank you notes or follow-up emails.Ìý

After the fairÌý

If you received contact information from a company representative, email them after the fair. Reintroduce yourself (they will chat with many students at the fair) and thank them for their time. Use your notes to recall something you discussed or enjoyed about the conversation. Let them know you’re interested in moving to the next step in the process.Ìý

Use your resourcesÌý

For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, check out programs and workshops from Career Services. If you have questions about the fair, ask a Career Services team member through LiveChat on the Career Services website.Ìý

Are you a STEM student or have an interest in STEM companies? Consider also attending one of the other career fairs taking place this same week!Ìý

: All Industries, spotlight on computing/software - October 3, 2023Ìý

: All Industries, spotlight on aerospace/defense - October 4, 2023Ìý