Student Career Fair Prep

Wondering how to prepare for a career fair and what to expect? We've compiled our best advice to help get you started. There are multiple ways to prepare; choose the options that work for you or stop in to ask for advice (Library 2nd Floor, Loper Success Hub). 

Steps to Building Career Fair Confidence

1. Update Your Resume
   • Read through our resume guide or drop into AACD for personalized resume help
   • Plan to print multiple copies of your resume to bring with you to the fair (10+)
2. Practice Your Introduction
   • At the Career Fair, initiate contact with recruiters by smiling, making eye contact, and shaking hands when introducing yourself
   • Approach recruiters by yourself, not with a group of friends
   • Introduce yourself with a greeting followed by your name, college year, program of study, and interest in the company
     • "Hello, I’m Nick, a junior studying family science. I’m interested in a possible internship opportunity with Integrated Life Choices. I see you have an open position for a Direct Support Professional, can you tell me more about this position?
     • “Hello, I’m Juan, a senior accounting major. I’m interested in gaining accounting experience with a company such as AMGL. Can you tell me about your current job openings?”
     • “Hello, I’m Cindy, a sophomore studying Construction Management. I’ve been working in the construction industry for the last few months and am excited to explore possible summer employment opportunities. When I visited Cheever’s website, I noticed that you value building relationships with your clients, this aligns with my values.”
     • “Hi, I’m Maria. I’m a pre-nursing student planning to attend UNMC in the fall. I’m interested in learning more about your facility to see if it’s a good fit for me after I complete the nursing program."
3. Research Employers on Handshake
   • It's important that employers know that you are interested in working for their company. A great way to do this is to research the employers that are planning to attend and have talking points ready
   • For example, after introducing yourself, you could mention that you recently visited the company's website and are excited about the new (product, service, job opening, or training opportunity) that they have just developed
   • Log into Handshake to see which employers are planning to attend the fair
   • Follow employers to learn about what job/internship opportunities they have available
4. Plan Your Attire 
   • Dress for success - most Career Fairs are either business casual (khakis, polo, skirt, button down, sweater) or business professional (suit pants and jacket with button down or solid colored top)
   • Remember to dress appropriately for the position you will be applying for
5. Attend Fairs Early and Often
   • Connecting early and often with employers is one of the best ways to build relationships and secure employment. Some employers are looking to recruit freshman
   • Talk to recruiters about what they are looking for on a resume. Work to fill the gaps in your resume and you will be better prepared for future Career Fairs
   • If you are still deciding on a major, a Career Fair is a great place to learn about a variety of industries with hiring needs
   • Who knows? You may meet your future employer!