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