Career Fair Prep Checklist

Career Fair Checklist

How to Prepare for the Career Fair

• Find out which companies are attending and the roles for which they will be recruiting
• Make a list of the companies that interest you. Check with the Center for Career Development Website or ask your counselor
• Check the company’s website and Handshake to see if there are current job/internship postings.
• Research the companies in which you are interested so you can tailor your professional pitch to them
  • Your level of research should be the same as if you were going to interview with them
• See if you are connected through LinkedIn to individuals in these companies
• Prepare questions to ask the recruiter based on your research
• Draft your 30-second pitch and review it with your career counselor
• Proofread your resume for grammar, spelling, etc.
• Make copies of your resume on good resume paper to stand out (not computer paper)
• Carry a portfolio to hold your documents including resume, business cards, etc.
  • Be sure to have a notepad and pen
• Make sure you have proper Career Fair attire; should be the same as if you were going on an interview (professional attire)

Day of the Career Fair

• Get to the fair early to check room set up and plan how to work the room
• Smile and be engaging!  Shake hands, make eye contact and state your full name
• It is important to tailor your communication for each company and to connect with the recruiter
  • 30-second Pitch!
• Ask questions including next steps in the hiring process
• Network with students and pick up brochures while waiting on line
• Listen and observe how others engage with recruiters to inform/personalize your own approach
• Be aware that recruiters have a limited amount of time
• Ask for the recruiter’s card after the interaction and be sure to leave a copy of your resume
• Make notes to remember information for your follow-up e-mail/letter
• Talk with recruiters at a variety of companies, even if they don’t have immediate openings in your field
• Remember to take your professional headshot at the LinkedIn photo booth

After the Career Fair

• Follow-up within 24 hours with a personalized thank you note by email.
  • Don’t send a standard thank you to everyone.  Include your interest in each particular firm and remind them of details you discussed in the conversation
• Complete on line applications for those companies who require/asked you to do so
• Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your career fair experience, draft a thank-you note, and/or share your questions or concerns