Career Fair Preparation: Practical Advice for Students
Attending a career fair is a great opportunity to network and make a positive impression on potential employers. Here’s how to prepare, focusing on your resume and professional appearance.
Resumes
- Bring Multiple Copies: Print several copies of your resume on high-quality paper. Always bring more than you think you’ll need—having extras is better than running out.
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experiences and skills relevant to the roles you’re interested in. Use keywords from job descriptions or the industry.
- Keep It Simple and Professional: Ensure your resume is one page (unless you have extensive relevant experience), with clear formatting and no typos.
- Review It Beforehand: Have your resume reviewed to catch any errors and suggest improvements.
How to Dress
Business Professional Attire
- Wear a suit with a tie, or pair dress slacks with a button-down shirt and a blazer.
- Tailored options such as a dress, skirt suit, pantsuit, or slacks with a blazer are also appropriate.
- Stick to dark, neutral colors like navy, black, or gray, and pair with neutral shoes like flats, low heels, or polished dress shoes.
Grooming
- Keep your appearance neat. Hair should be tidy, and avoid excessive fragrances or makeup.
Accessories
- Keep accessories minimal—avoid large or distracting jewelry.
- Carry a professional-looking portfolio or padfolio to hold resumes and take notes.
Comfortable Yet Professional Shoes
- You’ll likely be standing or walking a lot, so wear polished, comfortable shoes.
Additional Tips
- Research: Identify the employers you want to meet and tailor your approach to their industries or roles. Use Career Fair Plus to view attending employers and explore profiles ahead of the event.
- Be Approachable: Maintain a friendly demeanor with a firm handshake, good eye contact, and a confident smile.
- Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Introduce yourself concisely, mentioning your background, skills, and career goals.
- Prepare Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about company culture, growth opportunities, mentorship programs, or open roles to show enthusiasm, spark conversations, and gain valuable insights.
- Follow Up: Collect business cards from recruiters and send a thank-you email afterward referencing your conversation.
Being polished and prepared will help you make a lasting, positive impression at the career fair. Take these steps to set yourself apart!