CAREER FAIR PREP GUIDE

Career Fairs are opportunities for students to explore a variety of industries, jobs, internships, and more while meeting with local and national employers. Making the most of this event will help you learn about possible internship or job opportunities, and how to develop your skills in preparation for future applications. All students are encouraged to attend, regardless of class year - the earlier the better!

What to Expect

Employer representatives will set up their swag at tables in the Alvarez Union's atrium area - upon check-in, you will receive a map with employer names to help you find different companies. You can see attending companies (and rsvp for the event) when you view the Career Horizon or Career Scope event in Handshake. 

Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. All attendees, both pre-registered and walk-in attendees should sign in at the student check-in table and receive a program that lists the companies and organizations in attendance.

How to Dress

Dress for the fair is casual, but dressing to impress is encouraged. If possible, wear business casual, or other attire besides sweatpants or gym shorts. First impressions are lasting ones! If you need help securing professional clothing, check out Lula Bell's!

This event is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone to network with employers and gain valuable insights that will give you an edge in the recruiting process. To help you prepare, we encourage you to pre-register for the fair and check out the employers who will be attending. 

3 Keys to be Prepared

1) Have your "Elevator Pitch" or "About Me" prepared and well polished.

2) Do your research and come prepared with a plan as to which employers you will visit with and the appropriate questions you want to ask each.

• Pro Tip: When you arrive to the fair, speak to a few employers you may be less interested in to help "warm up" for the employers you are more interested in

3) Dress appropriately, smile, and be confident - you will do great!

General Recruiting Questions

1. What types of classes should I take to prepare for this industry?

2. What types of leadership roles or extracurricular activities would make me a strong applicant?

3. What skills should I develop now to help succeed in this industry?

4. What types of roles (part-time, internship, full-time) are available at your company?

5. What is the interview process like?

6. What do successful candidates do to separate themselves from others?

Company Culture Questions

1. Does your company offer employer resource groups for different affinity groups?

2. Does your company provide professional development opportunities for interns and/or full-time staff?

3. Can you describe your company’s core values?

4. How would you describe the company’s culture?

5. How has the organization demonstrated a commitment to diversity?

6. What are some of the key DE&I actions your organization has taken in recent months?

7. Are there any programs or initiatives in place at your company geared toward promoting diversity?

8. How can employees get involved in DEI initiatives in the company?

International Students

1.   Do you offer OPT/CPT and/or sponsorship for international candidates?

2.   What summer internship opportunities exist for international students?